'Hamstrung' Shaun Marsh in doubt for first Proteas Test

In what could be a major setback to Australia, opening batsman Shaun Marsh is in doubt for the Perth Test against South Africa after suffering from a hamstring injury during a domestic one-day cup match this weekend.

Issuing a statement, the Western Australian Cricket Association said Marsh had sustained a "low grade tear to his right hamstring" while batting in the Warriors' match against Tasmania at North Sydney Oval, reported cricket.com.au.

"Marsh will return to Perth where he will undergo rehabilitation with a view to being available for selection for the First Test of the Commonwealth Bank Test Series against South Africa at the WACA Ground next month," the release added.

The left-handed batsman made a comeback to the Test side for the final match in Sri Lanka, replacing Queenslander Joe Burns, and made a fine 130.

The 33-year-old, who has played 18 Tests since his debut in September 2011, had said last month that he had taken a conservative approach to his recovery from breaking a finger, setting his sights on the Test summer as opposed to rushing back for the ODI series in South Africa.

Burns and Usman Khawaja, who were both dropped in Sri Lanka, would be the probable lead candidates to replace Marsh.

The first Test starts at the WACA in Perth from November 3, the second Test would be played at Bellerive Oval, Hobart from November 12 and the third and the last Test at the Adelaide Oval from November 24, thus leaving three weeks of time for Marsh to prove his fitness.