Srinath to play on despite broken finger

MUMBAI, India - Indian paceman Javagal Srinath fractured his right index finger while batting in the first Test against Australia, a team official said today.

But Srinath will play the remaining three days of the match despite the injury which he sustained on Tuesday, Indian team manager Chetan Chauhan said.

"He was hit by a delivery from (Jason) Gillespie and we later found it was a fracture.

"Srinath bowled and batted with his fractured finger and he will do that even in the second innings if it is required," Chauhan, a former Indian opener, said.

He bowled in the morning and afternoon sessions on the second day and took two wickets in Australia's first innings including that of century maker Matthew Hayden.

India also suffered an injury blow to wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia.

Mongia came in as nightwatchman today after India lost the second wicket, but retired hurt in the final over after being hit painfully on his right thumb by Gillespie.

But a precautionary x-ray later revealed he had only suffered a bruise, Chauhan said.

"There is no fracture, it's just a bruise and will heal overnight. He will bat and keep wicket," he added.