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Cricket

Smith boost for Proteas

2009-02-04 17:34
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Graeme Smith

Rob Houwing

Cape Town – The chances of captain Graeme Smith being at his post when South Africa play the first home Test against Australia in Johannesburg later this month look increasingly rosy.

National coach Mickey Arthur was quoted in Thursday’s (Australian time) Sydney Morning Herald newspaper as saying the big left-hander was actually ahead of schedule in his recovery from both tennis elbow and knuckle injuries.

Smith last held a bat on January 7, final day of the dead-rubber Test at the SCG, when he made a valiant attempt to salvage a draw by taking to the crease at No 11 for the Proteas.

“He is fine,” Arthur said. “He has had his second injection (in the elbow), which is a good thing. The fracture in his hand has mended perfectly, and we are hoping he will be having a hit in about two weeks. It is even better than expected.

“It still remains to be seen once he starts playing but the good thing is that the fracture has mended perfectly. We weren’t sure how it was all going to come through but at this stage, touch wood, it all seems to be very good.”

Smith has had some of his own blood injected into the elbow joint.

Interviewed on the SuperSport magazine show Inside Edge on Tuesday night, Smith himself speculated that he might be ready to “have a net” later next week.

The first Test at the Wanderers starts on February 26.

Australia’s tour party was expected to be announced on Thursday.

Their latest injury woe concerns seamer Peter Siddle, who was reportedly still in some discomfort from a foot problem while playing for Victoria (he bowled seven overs for 23 runs) in a one-day match against South Australia on Wednesday.

They are already without strike bowlers Brett Lee and Stuart Clark for the tour.

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