Shaun Marsh Out Of Matador Cup with low grade Tear

Shaun Marsh, the Australian Test batsman, is facing a race against time to be fit for the opening Test against South Africa next month after his latest injury setback.

The injury-plagued 33-year-old suffered a hamstring tear in Western Australia's Matador One-Day Cup clash against Tasmania on Saturday (October 15). Marsh, who missed Australia's One-Day International tour of South Africa recovering from a broken finger, made 70 in his side's win at North Sydney Oval but was seen to be limping and in discomfort throughout his innings

A press release from Western Australia Cricket Association on Sunday (October 16) confirmed that Marsh has a "low grade tear". "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 stated.

The left-handed batsman is Australia's incumbent Test opener alongside Dave Warner after regaining his position for the final match in Sri Lanka mid-year at the expense of Joe Burns. Marsh made 130 to notch his second Test century in as many matches after a career-best 182 against West Indies last December

Accordingly, Marsh was viewed as the favourite to be Warner's partner for the opening Test of the Australian summer against South Africa starting at the WACA on November 3. But with less than three weeks to prove his fitness, Marsh's status is uncertain, opening the door for Burns or Usman Khawaja, who was also dropped in Sri Lanka.