Smith out, Aussies unchanged
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GRAEME Smith's unhappy season of Test cricket continued today when he was forced to withdraw from the third Test against Australia at the Wanderers Stadium because of a finger injury.
The South Africa captain suffered what is described as a soft tissue injury to his left ring finger during fielding practice overnight.
He had X-rays which revealed no break but it was decided after a visit to a hand specialist that he should not play.
"After an X-ray and a scan as well as a consultation with a hand specialist, he was diagnosed with a severe soft tissue injury to the distal part of the finger," a team statement said.
"He will wear a splint for 10 to 12 days after which an assessment will be made regarding his recovery.
Vice-captain Jacques Kallis will lead South Africa for the first time, while Boeta Dippenaar will open the batting in Smith's place.
"Jacques is the official vice-captain. He's a quiet guy but it might bring out the best in him. He gets in a bubble during Tests and sits on his own, so it will be a challenge for him," South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said.
Arthur said Herschelle Gibbs would continue to bat in the top three, although it is unclear whether he would open in Smith's absence.
Australia named an unchanged side for the match, which starts at 7.30pm (AEDT).
Smith's withdrawal means he will not have the chance to finish his Test battles with Australia on a high note after a summer of failure.
In five Tests for South Africa he had a highest score of 40, while he made 12 and 0 when he captained the World XI against Australia earlier in the season.
In six matches against the world champion he made 242 runs at an average of 20.16.
The rest of the South Africa team has yet to be named.
Despite Smith's absence, the selectors have 15 players to choose from following the addition of batsman Hashim Amla and fast bowler Dale Steyn to the squad following South Africa's 112-run defeat in the second Test in Durban this week.
The win clinched the series for Australia.
It was also its fourth successive win against South Africa after the 2-0 series win in Australia before this current tour.
AUSTRALIA: Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting (captain), Damien Martyn, Mike Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Michael Kasprowicz, Stuart Clark. 12th man: Michael Clarke.
Agence France-Presse
