Smith confident Starc will be fit for Proteas Tests despite 'gruesome' injury

Australia's Steve Smith is confident that fast bowler Mitchell Starc will be fit for the first Test against South Africa in early November, despite still recovering from 'gruesome' deep leg wound.

Last week, Starc underwent surgery and received approximately 30 stitches after suffering a deep laceration to his left shin when he collided with training equipment during team's practice session at the Hurstville Oval in Sydney.

Talking about Starc's injury, Smith admitted that it was probably one of the most gruesome things he had ever seen,Sport24 reported.

Smith, however, said that the left-arm pacer did not get tendon or ligament damage and, therefore, he is confident to see the pace spearhead fully ready in next couple of weeks given everything goes well.

Starc, who was Australia's top performer with 24 wickets in the side's disappointing three-match Test series in Sri Lanka last month, was due to leave hospital on Monday to begin his rehabilitation process.

Starc, however, had earlier been rested for the five-match ODI series against South Africa in order to keep him fresh for the home Test series, which begin from November 3 at the WACA.