Lyon hopeful over Starc finger injury with Australia in control against South Africa

Mitchell Starc's finger injury "doesn't look the greatest" but Nathan Lyon is hopeful he will be fit to feature in the rest of Australia's second Test against South Africa.

The fast bowler suffered a knock to his hand attempting to take a catch on day one, casting a shadow over an otherwise spectacular performance from the hosts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

With Cameron Green paying a fitting tribute to Shane Warne in the Boxing Day clash with a first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, South Africa were skittled for 189 in Victoria.

However, Starc was forced off during the final session and Lyon acknowledged they face a nervous wait to discover if he will be able to continue.

"[It is] not ideal, I don't think," he told cricket.com.au. "He's popped off for a scan now. Fingers crossed we can get the best possible result with his scan.

"I don't know what he's technically done, but it doesn't look the greatest. He went out the back and tried to bowl, but I think it [felt] a bit different.

A proper day of Test cricket comes to a close on Boxing Day! South Africa lead by 144 runs in what has been a great contest so far. See you back for Day 2 tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/2srGlbSgEU

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 26, 2022

"Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game. All we can hope for is he gets the best possible result with the scan."

Starc has already suffered one hand injury this year, having sliced the top of his left index finger on his bowling shoe during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Australia have revealed their Test Player of the Year award will be renamed after Warne, who passed away suddenly in March aged 52.