Smith boost for Proteas

Skipper should be fit to lead Proteas in Twenty20 World Cup

Last updated: 19th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Smith boost for Proteas

Smith: Broken finger

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South Africa skipper Graeme Smith is expected to recover from his fractured finger in time to lead the Proteas in the Twenty20 World Cup in April.

Smith injured the finger whilst taking a catch for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, which resulted in a double fracture to his right middle finger.

Cricket South Africa officials have looked at Smith's X-rays and scans and now believe that he will be able to return to action in four weeks.

That timescale means he will be able to lead his side in the Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean at the end of April.

"Graeme will have a further X-ray on Tuesday to make sure his recovery is on track," said South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

It was originally suspected that Smith would need at least six weeks to recover, but the news that it will only be a month will be a welcome relief for the CSA.

South Africa kick-off their Twenty20 campaign in the West Indies on May 2, and have their explosive captain at the top of the order is a major boost to their chances.

Smith will have another X-ray on Tuesday to confirm the speed of his recovery.