Australia fast bowler Brad Williams will return home for back scans after bowling in the first One-Day International against Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.

Williams, 29, struggled to complete five overs in Australia's seven-wicket win.

"About third or fourth ball I felt something go in my back," Williams told reporters. "It was like somebody jabbed me with a needle.

"I was struggling for breath. The pain was radiating up. During my last over I was really gritting my teeth."

Williams has suffered from stress fractures but hoped that his new injury was less serious.

"It felt very similar to when I was a youngster," he said. "I had stress fractures and similar pain, but I also had similar pain when it was a facet joint a few years ago.

"It would be very unusual at my age to have stress fractures. It's more likely to be a facet joint. If that's the case I'll get a couple of injections and should be right in a couple of weeks."

The Australian team management said Williams would not be replaced. The last two One-Day Internationals will be played in Harare on Thursday and Saturday.

Williams's preparations for the tour were interrupted when he had to leave Australia's pre-tour camp in Brisbane after a storm badly damaged his home in Perth.