Graeme Smith given all-clear

South African captain Graeme Smith has been cleared of any major damage to his hand and if free to continue playing in the Twenty20 World Cup.

Smith was struck on the hand by a Daren Powell bouncer with the first delivery of South Africa’s successful reply in the opening match of the championship against the West Indies.

He continued his innings, scoring 28 off 21 balls in obvious discomfort and was taken to hospital for scans as soon as he was dismissed by Ravi Rampaul. The results of the scans show there was no break and the Proteas skipper would be able to take part in the rest of the inaugural tournament.