Injured Smith in doubt for third test

JOHANNESBURG, Mar 30 (Reuters) South Africa captain Graeme Smith may miss the third test against Australia starting tomorrow after he was hit on the hand during fielding practice today.

Smith was practising his slip catching when he was struck on the tip of his right hand ring finger, the same finger that was injured in India last November. That injury limited his role in the opening weeks of the tour to Australia.

''The x-ray is unclear, but there does seem to be a bone chip floating around in the finger,'' South Africa media manager Gerald de Kock told reporters today.

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur confirmed that Jacques Kallis would take over the captaincy if Smith were unavaible for the final match of a dead series, Australia having won the first two tests in Cape Town and Durban.

''Jacques is the official vice-captain. He has a steely reserve.

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,'' Arthur said.

Arthur said Boeta Dippenaar would be the most likely replacement for Smith in the team.

''Boeta's probably the favourite, he's the next batsman in the queue.'' Arthur confirmed that Herschelle Gibbs would continue to bat in the top three but it was unclear whether he would open or not in Smith's absence.

De Kock said Smith would be examined by a specialist and undergo a scan.

''He's still in a lot of pain,'' De Kock said.

Reuters DH BD1821