DURBAN, Nov 29: South African captain Graeme Smith will tour Australia although his injured finger will need protection, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Tuesday.

Smith injured a finger on his left hand attempting a catch during the fifth One-day International between India and South Africa in Mumbai on Monday.

He was examined by a specialist in Cape Town on Tuesday and x-rays revealed no fracture.

A CSA statement said Smith’s finger would “need protection for the next 10 to 12 days”.

The first of South Africa’s three Tests against Australia will be played in Perth from Dec 16.

Smith could miss a three-day tour match against Western Australia in Perth that starts on Monday “as a precautionary measure”, the statement said.

All-rounder Justin Ontong was scheduled for surgery on Tuesday after breaking a finger while fielding in Mumbai on Monday, the statement added.

Ontong, who was not in the squad selected for Australia, will wear a plaster cast for four to six weeks.

South Africa leave for Australia on Friday.—Reuters