South Africa all rounder Jacques Kallis [Images] is doubtful for Friday's first Test against Australia because of a painful elbow.

Kallis has been carrying the injury since the tour of India last month and missed each of his team's three warm-up matches in Australia.

South Africa physiotherapist Shane Jabaar said the injury was showing signs of improvement but Kallis would need to start practicing by Wednesday if he hoped to play in the opening Test at the WACA in Perth.

"He's been receiving ongoing treatment and we feel he's still got a chance to heal completely before the first Test and to net before that Test," Jabaar told reporters on Monday.

"But we're not going to take a chance... if he's not ready, he's not ready.