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Finch clear of fracture after finger blow

3 minute read

Australian opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a finger fracture after being struck while batting in the second Test against India in Perth.

AARON FINCH of Victoria plays a shot during the Sheffield Shield match at MCG in Melbourne, Australia.
AARON FINCH of Victoria plays a shot during the Sheffield Shield match at MCG in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Robert Prezioso/Getty Images

Australia coach Justin Langer is hopeful Aaron Finch can bat again in the second Test, with the opener cleared of a fracture to his right index finger.

Finch was on 25 when he was struck on the glove by a rising Mohammed Shami delivery, and sought immediate medical attention on the ground.

The 32-year-old was in obvious pain and struggled to move the finger.

Tea was called after the incident, allowing Finch to receive more treatment in the rooms.

Finch retired hurt and was driven away from the ground to have X-rays, which cleared him of serious damage.

"It's not fractured, which is really positive for us," Langer told SEN.

"He was playing so well. It's nice to have Finchy being able to bat, hopefully, in the second dig. Every run here is very important."

The injury to Finch had loomed as a huge potential blow to Australia as they look to level the series at 1-1.

Earlier, Marcus Harris was lucky to escape serious injury after being struck flush on the front of the helmet by a rearing ball from Jasprit Bumrah.

Harris closed his eyes and belatedly tried to duck as the Bumrah bouncer drew nearer.

The ball struck Harris on the Australian badge on his helmet, with the batsman falling backwards to the ground.

Harris was straight back on his feet, and laughed off the incident while being assessed by the team doctor.

Harris, who made 70 in the first innings, was on four when he was hit.

The delivery was clocked at 142.5km/h, with Indian players immediately checking on his welfare.

Harris was dropped on one earlier in the innings, with Cheteshwar Pujara unable to hang onto a tough one-handed chance at slip.

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