Ball hits Smith's right hand

MELBOURNE, Dec 24 (AP): Australia captain Steve Smith was struck on his right hand by a stray ball near the nets as the team prepared for Tuesday's start to the fourth test against England.

Smith was standing to the side of the Melbourne Cricket Ground nets on Sunday when he was struck by a ball that had been hit by Cameron Bancroft. Smith later had a hit but was in obvious discomfort.

Opener David Warner said Smith was OK and would play in the fourth test. Australia has clinched the Ashes series 3-0.

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with him, he's fine," Warner said.