Australia's Ashes campaign has suffered a double-blow with Damien Martyn and Shane Watson both struck down with injury just days out from the first Test.
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Martyn pulled out of the Western Australia side just before its Ford Ranger Cup clash with Queensland at the WACA on Friday because of an elbow injury, but is expected to be fine for the first Test against England starting at the Gabba next Thursday.
However, the news appears to be worse for Watson, who left the field midway through the Warriors' innings with a right hamstring strain.
Watson suffered the injury bowling the first ball of his sixth over of the afternoon. He winced in pain and grabbed his hamstring straight after the delivery.
After consulting with team-mates, Watson left the field in some distress and is now in serious doubt for the first Test against England.
Watson will fly back to Brisbane with his Queensland teammates on Saturday where he will receive further assessment by Australia's physiotherapist Alex Kontouris.
If Watson fails to recover from the strain, it could pave the way for Bulls teammate and fellow all-rounder Andrew Symonds to make a return to Test cricket.
Michael Clarke is another who would come into serious consideration if selectors opt for a specialised batsman, with an extra seamer the other option.
It is a cruel injury for Watson, who battled his way back into top-form after undergoing shoulder surgery last year.
Meanwhile, Martyn is still expected to play in the first Test despite the setback, resting his elbow to ensure he is in the best possible shape for the Ashes opener.
"He is expected to be fully fit by the time he arrives in Brisbane to go into camp with the Australian team." Warriors doctor Damian McCann said.
Martyn, a veteran of 65 Tests and 208 one-day internationals, recaptured career-best form at the recent ICC Champions Trophy and was a driving force behind Australia's inaugural success at the tournament.
