The Proteas captain, Graeme Smith, and teammate Justin Ontong on Tuesday had X-rays to injuries on their left hands, in Cape Town and Johannesburg respectively.
Both players were examined by orthopaedic surgeons soon after their arrival from Mumbai, where South Africa concluded its five-match one-day international series against India, on Monday night.
According to the Proteas’ team physiotherapist, Shane Jabaar, 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 he will continue to treat and monitor Smith’s progress ahead of the first Test against Australia in Perth from December 16 to 20.
Smith may miss the opening three-day match between the South Africans and Retravision Warriors in Perth from December 5 to 7 as a precautionary measure.
Ontong, who was also injured while fielding in the same match, was examined in Johannesburg.
Jabaar said: ”An X-ray revealed a displaced fracture of the first metacarpal of his left hand. He will undergo an operation today [Tuesday] to reduce the fracture and he will then have to wear a plaster for four to six weeks.”
The Proteas leave for Perth on Friday at 4.45 pm. — Sapa