An injury cloud hangs over Zaheer Khan for the rest of the Melbourne Test.

Zaheer, who missed the second Test at Adelaide due to a hamstring injury, was declared fit for this crucial game but appeared clearly in discomfort after bowling the first four overs on Saturday.

The left-armer bowled 17 overs in all, without any luck though.

He bowled his overs in five short spells and was missing from action in the afternoon when Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden were putting on the massive double century stand.

He came back to bowl just one over after the 60th over before taking himself off the attack.

Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid denied that the bowler came into the match without being fully fit. "He started the Test match fit enough to play, passed the fitness test and was bowling full stretch at the nets," he said. "He was doing everything that was required of him. I think during the course of his fourth or fifth over, he felt a bit of twinge.

"It is a bit unfortunate, but he showed a bit of character to stay on and keep bowling."

There was no official word on Zaheer's injury although physiotherapist Andrew Leipus, it was learnt, did not think it was serious.

Ponting felt the injury was a blow to India and a good news for Australia.

"He was bowling within himself. It is a blow for them but a good sign for us. We need to capitalise and ensure it goes against them," Ponting said.

Hayden, who watched Zaheer struggle, said, "I think India are one bowler down at this stage.

"I think he hurt himself just before the lunch. I am not sure if it was hamstring or somewhere around the area, but he struggled. He is injured. He is now lame to a certain extent for India."