South Africa all rounder Jacques Kallis is a doubtful starter for Saturday's first Test against India in Kanpur after suffering a side strain.

The 29-year-old was injured during a three-day encounter against an Indian Board President's XI. He bowled only three overs in the match and did not bat at his regular number four position in the second innings.

"It's too early to say if he will be able to play or not. We'll have a review on Friday and then decide," Gerald de Kock, media manager of the South Africa team, said on Tuesday.

Kallis, a veteran of 80 tests, is a key member of an inexperienced South Africa team, averaging 41.82 with the bat and 30.68 with the ball. Most of South Africa's squad, including captain Graeme Smith, have never played in India before.

The second and final test begins in Calcutta on November 28.