'Didn't look pretty': Aussies sweating on Labuschagne's fitness after ...

Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne is under an injury cloud after damaging his little finger on day three of the series opener against Pakistan in Perth.

During the sixth over of Australia’s second innings at Perth Stadium, Pakistan debutant Khurram Shahzad produced a jaffa that jumped off a good length and struck Labuschagne on the right hand. The 29-year-old was in immediate discomfort, requiring medical attention on the field before resuming his innings.

The Queenslander fell victim to Shahzad a couple of overs later, caught by wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed and top-edging a pull shot for 2. He continued receiving treatment in the sheds following his dismissal.

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“It didn’t look pretty,” Australian opener Usman Khawaja told Fox Cricket during the drinks break.

“Marnus is a pretty tough character. When he takes his glove off, I get a little bit worried, because he’s a pretty tough guy.

“But I think he was alright.”

Speaking to reporters in the post-match press conference, Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood said he expected Labuschagne to undergo scans on his sore finger.

“He was with the physio for the last hour, just chatting through it,” Hazlewood explained.

“They were doing a few tests on the finger.

“I dare say there might be a scan tonight or tomorrow morning.

“He’s pretty sore, I think.”

The severity of Labuschagne’s injury is yet to be confirmed, but if he were unavailable for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the MCG, West Australian all-rounder Cameron Green looms as his most likely replacement.

Steve Smith also required medical attention after copping two bouncers from Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi to the arm, but the Australian vice-captain downplayed the injury at stumps.

“It’s a bit of a bruise,” Smith told Fox Cricket.

“I’ll live.”

Australia is 2-84 at stumps on day three, leading by 300 runs, with Khawaja (34*) and Smith (43*) unbeaten overnight.