Finger injuries sideline Smith and Ontong

Graeme Smith and Justin Ontong have had X-rays after picking up hand injuries during South Africa's final ODI in India last night.

Both players were examined by orthopaedic surgeons soon after their arrival back from India. According to Shane Jabaar, South Africa's physiotherapist, Smith's X-ray did not show a fracture, but his finger will need protection for the next 10 to 12 days. "The clinical examination revealed that he had sustained a partial tear of the volar plate over the DIP joint of his fourth left-finger."

Jabaar said that he will continue to treat and monitor his progress ahead of the first Test against Australia at Perth starting on December 16. Smith is likely to miss the opening three-day match between the South Africans and Western Australia the WACA which begins a week on Thursday.

There was less good news for Ontong, who was also injured fielding in the same match. "An X-ray revealed a displaced fracture of the first metacarpal of his left hand," Jabaar said. "He will undergo an operation today to reduce the fracture and he will then have to wear a plaster for 4 to 6 weeks."