Watson injury scare ahead of Tests

Shane Watson has sent another shudder through Australia's camp ahead of the first South Africa Test by complaining of calf soreness while bowling for New South Wales against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield match in Brisbane.

In his first appearance at the bowling crease in a first-class match since the tour of the West Indies in April, Watson delivered only one over before speaking with his state and national captain Michael Clarke and leaving the field.

It soon emerged that he was bothered by a sore left calf, the same muscle he strained during this year's ODI tour of England. A calf ailment had also contributed to Watson missing all of the 2011-12 home Test matches.

Medical staff are assessing the problem, and it is unlikely that Watson will return to the field for the rest of day two.

Watson's exit from Allan Border Field continued a fraught round of domestic matches for Australia's Test batsmen, as only Michael Hussey has made any substantial runs while Ricky Ponting was withdrawn from Tasmania's match against South Australia with hamstring tightness.