BRISBANE, Jan 17: South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis is expected to be rushed home and may be in doubt for the start of the return one-day series against Australia there in February and March, skipper Graeme Smith confirmed on Tuesday.

Speaking after South Africa’s loss to Sri Lanka, Smith said Kallis could face a lengthy recovery.

Kallis had scans on the injury on Tuesday and Smith said he should be fit for the return Test series at the end of March. But the all-rounder would probably be ruled out of the preceding one-dayers.

It is the latest in a string of injury woes for the touring South Africans, who have already sent home strike bowlers Makhaya Ntini (hamstring) and Andre Nel (foot) this month.

Kallis missed South Africa’s opening Test against Australia in Perth last month because of the problem.

Smith rued the injury but said it was important to handle such injuries, including a groin strain to Charl Langeveldt, with caution.

He has previously warned against Ntini being rushed back to Australia for the tri-series and said some difficult decisions needed to be made.

South Africa’s selectors appear to have heeded his advice and have opted against sending Ntini back to Australia despite him passing a fitness test on Monday.

Instead 22-year-old speedster Dale Steyn will join the squad on Wednesday.—AFP