Smith returned to the Sydney crease in plaster

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith will return to lead his side in the three-Test home series against Australia.

The 28-year-old opening batsman fractured his left hand in the final match of their first Test series triumph on Australian soil last month.

In his absence South Africa secured a comprehensive 4-1 one-day series win.

Smith also aggravated an existing elbow complaint on the tour, but has been cleared for action by South Africa's medical team.

"They are very happy with my hand injury and they feel they can manage my elbow through the home series against Australia," he said.

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The first match of the three-Test series begins on February 26 in Johannesburg and will be followed by two Twenty20 international and five one-day matches.

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