Updated

Pakistan opener Mohammad Hafeez, whose place in the Test side is under severe threat, admitted Wednesday that his poor form was a concern.

The 32-year-old right-hander managed a paltry 43 in three Tests in South Africa in February-March and failed to improve in the two Tests against Zimbabwe earlier this month, scoring just 59.

The poor return has put the 34-Test veteran's place in doubt for the two-match series against South Africa starting in the United Arab Emirates from October 14.

"I am trying my level best, there's no tension or pressure on me. Obviously it's a concern that I could not score big," Hafeez, Pakistan captain in the Twenty20 format, told reporters.

"It's not the bad patch, it's not the form too, it happens in cricket, you try your best but sometimes you can't perform in that particular format.

"I was man-of-the-series in one-day series during which I scored a century," said Hafeez, of the series against Zimbabwe, which Pakistan won 2-1.

Pakistan selectors are due to announce Thursday the squad for the South Africa series.

"It's the selectors' job to pick the best team for Pakistan. If they think my place is there in the team, they will pick me," he said.

"If a player is not selected it's always a challenge for that player to do hard work and make a comeback and prove that he is good enough to play for Pakistan."

Pakistan and South Africa also play five one-day and two Twenty20 internationals.