WTC Final: Steve Smith Hospitalized with Finger Injury in Australia vs South Africa Clash
In a dramatic turn of events at the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, Australia’s talismanic batter Steve Smith has been ruled out of the remainder of the match against South Africa after sustaining a severe finger injury while fielding on Friday. This unexpected setback has cast a shadow over Australia’s title defense, leaving fans and experts alike concerned about the team’s prospects in this high-stakes encounter and beyond.
The incident occurred during South Africa’s second innings as Smith, positioned at first slip, attempted to pouch a sharp chance off South African captain Temba Bavuma. With edges proving elusive to the slips throughout the match, Smith had taken a daring stance just 14 meters behind the stumps, donning a helmet for protection. As Mitchell Starc delivered a fiery 138 kph short ball, Bavuma edged it thickly. Smith reacted swiftly, getting his hands up, but the ball struck awkwardly, resulting in a compound dislocation of his right little finger.
Visibly in agony, Smith left the field immediately for medical attention. Cricket Australia confirmed the severity of the injury in an official statement: ‘Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger while fielding in the slip cordon during the ICC Men’s World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s. He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and subsequently taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment.’ The news has left the cricketing world stunned, as Smith’s absence could tilt the balance in a tightly contested final.
At the time of the injury, South Africa were at 76/2, chasing a target of 282 to clinch the coveted WTC title. Smith, who had earlier played a pivotal role in Australia’s first innings with a composed 66 runs, is not only a linchpin with the bat but also a tactical asset in the field. His Test career, spanning over a decade, boasts more than 10,000 runs at an average of over 56, underlining his importance to the side as the 36-year-old former captain.
The uncertainty surrounding Smith’s recovery timeline adds further tension for Australia, with a crucial three-Test series against the West Indies looming on the horizon. Scheduled to begin on June 25 in Barbados, the tour could see Australia without one of their most experienced campaigners—a significant blow considering Smith’s adaptability and consistency across conditions. Team management awaits further medical reports to determine the extent of his unavailability.
As the WTC Final hangs in the balance, Smith’s injury has shifted the spotlight to Australia’s resilience and depth. Will the defending champions overcome this adversity to retain their crown, or will South Africa capitalize on this moment of vulnerability? Only time will tell, but for now, the cricketing fraternity wishes Steve Smith a speedy recovery as he battles through this painful setback at Lord’s.