Veteran Australian Test opener Justin Langer may miss the remainder of the Test series against South Africa after straining his hamstring during the opening match at the Waca ground.
Australian physiotherapist Errol Alcott said on Monday that Langer had a severe strain in his left hamstring and would miss the second Test starting in Melbourne on December 26.
And he added that the 35-year-old stalwart had only a 50% chance of being fit in time for the Sydney Test starting on January 2.
”The scans revealed a grade one plus strain to the upper left hamstring which will require intensive physiotherapy,” Alcott said.
”We are going to bring him over to Melbourne on Boxing Day and go through intensive treatment and see how he might come up for the Sydney Test match.
”He has got a definitive strain so it’s running the gauntlet a bit if he’s going to be right for Sydney.
”But we’re prepared to give it a whirl and he’s committed to try and do it. He’s a good patient so we’ll see how we go.”
Langer, who has played in 96 Tests for Australia with an average of more than 46, pulled up just before lunch while running between the wickets on Sunday.
He returned after the break with a runner before being dismissed soon after.
Alcott said Langer was determined to recover as soon as possible.
”He’s a healthy thirtyish fit athlete … his recovery powers as we know have always been pretty good,” he said.
Langer suffered a back injury last year and was ruled out of Australia’s first two Tests this summer against the West Indies with a broken rib.
With Langer unfit, there are two likely options for the Australians, including drafting in New South Wales state opener Phil Jaques (26) who belted an unbeaten 158 on Sunday.
Alternatively, recently-deposed middle-order batsman Michael Clarke could return to the side with Michael Hussey moved up to open.
A spokesperson for the Australian team said the Test side for Melbourne would be named on Tuesday. – Sapa-AFP