Leg-spinner Imran Tahir’s participation in South Africa’s fourth ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground remained in the balance on Wednesday.

Tahir sustained a knee injury during the the third fixture at the Manuka Oval, where the Proteas slumped to a 73-run defeat – and afforded the Aussies a two-one lead in the five-match series.

The 35-year-old bowled six overs, failed to take a wicket and conceded 40 runs in Canberra. He did not bat, as the tourists slipped to an insufficient 256 all out after the hosts had managed 329 for five on the back of opener Aaron Finch’s superb century.

‘Imran sprained his knee while fielding during Australia’s innings. The spinner was unable to bat and will be assessed soon to determine the extent of his injury,’ read a statement from Cricket South Africa.

Tahir, if unfit for the penultimate ODI, will likely be replaced by spinning all-rounder Robin Peterson or seaming counterpart Ryan McLaren.

The fifth and final ODI will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

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