Marnus Labuschagne has been cleared of a finger fracture and is expected to field during Pakistan’s second innings in the first Test.

Australia’s No.3 was sent for scans on the little finger of his right hand after being hit by a delivery from debutant paceman Khurram Shahzad on day three at Optus Stadium in Perth.

The knock was a source of discomfort for Labuschagne, who played on but was dismissed by Shahzad for two runs soon after.

An injury to Labuschagne, a lock for selection at first drop, would have been a blow for Australia with four Tests remaining this summer and could have forced a reshuffle of the batting order.

But scans cleared the 29-year-old of structural damage and he was able to bat in the nets before play began on day four.

Cracking pitch

“An X-ray taken last night did not demonstrate any visible fracture. Marnus was able to bat unhindered in the nets this morning,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.

Teammate Steve Smith resumed batting on Sunday despite being struck by a series of bouncers from Pakistan quick Shaheen Afridi on Saturday that required staff to treat his left arm on the pitch.

“‘It’ll take a lot for him to miss out, especially on 43 not out,” teammate Mitch Marsh told SEN before play began.

Smith (45) lasted just less than four overs on day four before being trapped lbw by Shahzad, with cracks beginning to emerge on the Perth pitch and making life tougher for the batters.

-AAP