Smith out of final Test

Proteas skipper Graeme Smith has been ruled out of the third Test between South Africa and Australia at the Wanderers Stadium because of a finger injury, while the tourists have named an unchanged line-up.

Smith suffered a soft tissue injury to his left ring finger during a practice session on Thursday and immediately had x-rays, which revealed no break.

But a hand specialist advised that he should miss the test regardless.

"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."

Jacques Kallis will step into the captaincy role, while Boeta Dippenaar will open in place of Smith.

The rest of the South African side is yet to be named.

Australia clinched the series earlier this week with a 112-run victory in the second Test in Durban.

Australia
Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting (c), Damien Martyn, Mike Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Michael Kasprowicz, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke (12th man)

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