Smith in injury scare

Putting his worst foot forward: Graeme Smith's left foot was run over by a car © Getty Images

Graeme Smith, the South African captain, will be given until the last possible moment to prove his fitness after suffering an injury scare on the eve of the second Test at Kolkata when a car ran over his left foot outside the team hotel in Kolkata.

Smith, 24, had just got down from his car and was still standing close to the vehicle when the driver took off, running over Smith's foot in the process. The South African team revealed that scans showed only soft tissue damage and no breaks, and they have refused to rule out Smith for the Test starting tomorrow. A decision will be made just before the toss.

However, sources indicated that Smith was unlikely to take the field on the first day, and if South Africa bat, he would come in lower down the order.

Smith's absence through injury would weaken the South African batting line-up and balance considerably, although it would open a window of opportunity to Hashim Amla or Justin Ontong, who are on the fringes of selection. And, should Smith be ruled out of action, the vice-captain Boeta Dippenaar would take over the reins as captain.