Perth, Dec. 11 : South Africa''s plans for next week''s first Test have been upset by an injury to pace bowler Morne Morkel during today''s tour game against Western Australia.

The tall right-armer was introduced to the attack in the 11th over of Western Australia''s innings and collapsed on the pitch as he attempted to bowl his first delivery, appearing to twist an ankle.

The 24-year-old, who has taken 37 wickets at 30.43 in Tests in 2008, immediately left the field, walking off slowly and gingerly.

The first Test between Australia and South Africa starts at Perth''s WACA Ground on December 17.

Former South African bowling great Allan Donald believes that Morkel, if fit, will be the new ''White Lightning''of Test cricket, and could become the world''s most devastating fast bowler.

Hailing the "scary'''' potential of the rumbling 201 centimeter tall Proteas'' pacer, Donald said: “It is scary that he is as good as he is after a handful of Tests. If he''s not put under unnecessary pressure and is managed well, he''ll surpass anything I achieved in my career.”

“We haven''t even come close to seeing his best yet and I can''t wait for him to start dominating batting attacks, The Daily Telegraph quoted Donald as adding.

"Manage him well and he could dominate world cricket,'''' Donald told the South Africa Cricket magazine.

He also told how he has mentored 24-year-old Morkel from close quarters in his role as bowling coach at English County side Warwickshire.

Morkel is tall enough to look West Indian legend Curtly Ambrose in the eye and he stands just three centimeters shorter than Joel ''Big Bird'' Garner.

With a brutal top speed of about 150km/h and a release height of about 275cm, it is Morkel''s steepling bounce that will trouble Australia''s ageing top-order.

Donald, who took 330 wickets in a glittering Test career, believes Morkel is a rare talent who could be out of this world.

The skyscraping quick has taken 40 wickets in 12 Tests. His best deliveries are breathtaking, but his worst can be trash.

During the forthcoming series, he is expected to bowl after Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini. (ANI)