"I didn't take to the field because my back has been hurting since last evening," he told reporters. "It is a back strain and doctors have advised me to rest for four to six days.

"If required, I will have to come out to bat on the final day. But I hope I am not needed."

Yousuf Youhana led Pakistan in Inzamam's absence.

Inzamam said he felt the injury after scoring his 20th Test hundred on Saturday when Pakistan compiled 478. His time off the field means he now cannot bat before the fall of five wickets in Pakistan's second innings.

Despite not taking to the field, Inzamam was full of praise for young leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who took six of the seven wickets in Sri Lanka's reply.

"Pakistan has been missing a quality spinner for sometime now, but Kaneria bowled really sensibly today. I think he has a bright future ahead of him," Inzamam said.

"Pakistan does not play too many Test matches, but Kaneria is maturing fast as a quality spinner. I think he will win us many more matches in future."