Donald limps off Photo Peter Heeger

South African fast bowler Allan Donald is almost certain to miss the remainder of the Castle Lager/MTN Test series against Australia at the Wanderers with a hamstring strain.

Donald broke down during the first day of the first Test match and had to be helped from the field. It is understood that the hamstring is not torn, but some bleeding has been detected near the in jury.

It is estimated that Donald will not be able to play for three weeks which would effectively rule him out of the remainder of the series. South Africa are already without captain and Donald's regular new ball partner Shaun Pollock who has strained muscles in his side and the most obvious replacement, Nantie Hayward, has torn medial ligaments in his left ankle.

Hayward, who was sent home from Australia to rest the injury, is at the centre of a growing internal row at the United Cricket Board. Despite the wishes of South African team physiotherapist Craig Smith, Eastern Province approached the UCB medical committee, headed by Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka, for clearance for Hayward to play in last weekend's SuperSport Series match against Western Province.

The injury was further aggravated during that match and Hayward is now expected to be out of the game for a further six weeks.

© CricInfo