Sydney, Feb 24 (IANS): South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander will miss the next World Cup Pool B contest against the West Indies Feb 27 and is also in doubt for the Ireland game March 3 after he was diagnosed with a hamstring strain.

The right-arm pacer sustained the injury Sunday while playing against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He bowled only four overs and went off the field only to return later to bat in the second half of the game. An MRI scan Monday revealed the extent of the damage.

"We have to give him every opportunity to make sure that he can be available. At the same time we don't want to be foolish by taking short-cuts," team manager Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo Tuesday.

"If he passes all the fitness tests and is symptom free going into the Ireland game he may play but at this stage it is too early to tell."

The 29-year-old has been prescribed a recovery period between 7-10 days, which means South Africa have to find a replacement for him against the Windies.

This is the second time in six months that Philander has been sidelined with the same problem. He has thus far picked up 37 wickets from 26 One-Day-Internationals (ODI).