The finger’s fine, good to go: Australian skipper Tim Paine declares himself fit for Perth Test

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Australian skipper Tim Paine has declared himself fit to feature for the hosts in the second Test against India despite sustaining a painful blow on his troublesome right index finger off a delivery bowled by Indian pace-bowler Mohammad Shami during the first clash in Adelaide on Monday.

The 34-year-old cricketer was batting on 27, with the hosts poised at 171/6 after being handed a steep target of 323. That is when the unfortunate incident occurred. 

Shami hit Paine on his right index finger with a short, fast and venomous delivery which left the batsman in no position to evade the blow. The medical team rushed to the middle almost immediately with the cricketer continuing his innings following the application of some tape. 

The blow could not have proved more unfortunate in nature considering the fact that Paine had been forced to undergo severn seperate injuries at the same spot following an injury in 2010 during an exhibition clash. 

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting who was commentating on the clash was quick to point out the exact location of the injury, having observed him from close quarters over the years. 

"Where he's putting that tape on now is exactly where he broke his finger," said Ponting while commentating for the Seven Network.

"Right up in that joint closest to the knuckle is where had the bad break,” he added.