South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander's participation in the first Test against New Zealand remains in the balance, after a recurrence of his hamstring injury.

Philander didn't play in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide earlier this month due to a problematic left hamstring and sore back, and on Thursday bowled a mere five overs for the Cobras in a first-class fixture against the Titans before leaving the field for treatment.

While the extent of the injury is yet to be ascertained, it might sideline him for two weeks, ruling him out of the series opener against the Black Caps at his home ground, Newlands.

"MRI scans revealed that Vernon suffered a grade one strain to his left hamstring. Injuries of this type usually have a 10 to 14 day recovery period. We will assess the injury as the week progresses, and this will help determine whether his availability for the Test series will be affected. At this point he will not bowl again during the match between the Cobras and Titans - and will only bat if necessary," said team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

The first Test gets underway on 2 January. Port Elizabeth will host the second and final fixture, starting on 11 January.