Australia will consider sending Darren Lehmann home after he hobbled off the VCA Ground with a torn hamstring and uncertain future.

Lehmann lost his wicket for 70 shortly after suffering an injury that will jeopardise his ability to bat in the second innings, rule him out of next week's fourth Test and as a consequence make it extremely difficult for his international career to continue.

Australia made 7-362 on day one of the third Test against India.

"Darren felt pain halfway down the pitch and knew he had torn it," said Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott.

"Our problem is that he's still got a second innings yet, for whatever that may bring. Being one week away from the fourth Test, the time frame doesn't augur well for Darren.

"He's not in a favourable position.

Alcott said there was a chance Lehmann would return to Australia.

"We could keep him here for treatment but it's up to Cricket Australia to see what they want to do," he said.

"There's not a lot of time before our Australian summer starts, so it's important to get him right as soon as possible without re-injuring him.

"Tears like this, after a week to 10 days they normally feel pretty good - if it's just a grade one tear. If it's more than that, it's two to three weeks. I think it's a grade-one plus."

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