Australia captain Michael Clarke has raised the prospect that his cricket career could be over after injuring his hamstring in the opening test against India in Adelaide on Saturday.
Clarke said he intended to keep playing but the latest setback, which the 33-year-old said would force him to miss the remaining three tests of a series, had caused him to think about his future.
"There's a chance I may never play again," he told a news conference at Adelaide Oval.
"I hope that's not the case and I'll be doing everything in my power to get back out on the park, but I have to be realistic as well."
Clarke did not finish the match, which ended with Australia securing a thrilling 48-run victory, after he hurt himself on the final day.
He was sent for scans for the second time in a matter of days when he injured himself while fielding in the second session, pulling up sharply after feeling the hamstring go when reaching down to stop a ball.
He limped off with the assistance of the Australian team physiotherapist and said later the early prognosis was not good.
"The scans are not great, they certainly showed a tear there," Clarke said.
"The experts are looking at them and I can pretty confidently say that I won't take part in this test series."
Clarke has been troubled by hamstring and back issues since he was a teenager but the problem has only worsened in recent months.
GUTSY CENTURY
He almost missed the first test because of a recurring hamstring problem and suffered a painful back injury while batting in the first innings.
He retired hurt but recommenced his innings the next day, scoring a century, only to suffer another problem on Saturday.
"I did my left hamstring (previously). I've done my right side of my back, I've just done my right hammy... I've got injury concerns at the moment," Clarke said.
"Now I've got to go back and do what the experts tell me, to give myself my best chance of being fully fit.
"But I think I have to be honest with myself and have a good hard think about things, definitely."
With Clarke ruling himself out of the second test starting in Brisbane next week, Australia selectors called up middle-order batsman Shaun Marsh to a squad that will be led once more by wicketkeeper and vice-captain Brad Haddin.
Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc was also added with the starting 11 to finalised next week. The third starts in Melbourne on Dec. 26 then the last is in Sydney from Jan. 6.
The main goal for Clarke though is the 50-over World Cup, which Australia is co-hosting with New Zealand in February and March next year.
"I want to be playing in Brisbane, every game I miss for Australia is heartbreaking," he said.
"Our first (World Cup) practice game is eight weeks away.
"I'd love to take part in the tri-series, I'd love to take part in the World Cup but I just have to wait and see.
"Hopefully I'll get another opportunity to play again this summer."