LONDON — Australia’s star batter Steve Smith suffered a painful finger injury on day three of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, forcing him to leave the field for medical treatment. Smith dislocated his little finger while attempting a sharp catch at second slip, casting doubt over his availability for the remainder of the crucial match.
The incident occurred during South Africa’s second innings when Smith dived to his left in an effort to intercept an edge off the bat of Proteas opener Dean Elgar. While he managed to get a hand to the ball, the impact caused his left pinky finger to bend awkwardly. Team medical staff immediately rushed to his aid before he was escorted off the field for further assessment. Cricket Australia later confirmed he had been taken to a nearby hospital for scans.
Smith, a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup, had already contributed significantly in the first innings with a gritty 85. His potential absence would be a major blow for the Australians, who are chasing their first-ever WTC title. Captain Pat Cummins admitted after play, "It’s never ideal losing someone like Steve, especially in a match of this magnitude. We’re hopeful it’s not too serious, but fingers crossed."
The Injury and Immediate Aftermath
Initial reports suggested Smith’s dislocation was severe enough to require immediate medical intervention. Team physiotherapist Nick Jones was seen manipulating the finger back into place on the field before wrapping it tightly. However, due to swelling and concerns over potential ligament damage, Smith was sent for further evaluation. Sources within the Australian camp indicated that while the injury was painful, there was cautious optimism about his ability to bat if required.
Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, commentating for the broadcast, noted: "These kinds of injuries can be tricky. Even if he can grip the bat, fielding in the slips again might be out of the question. It’s a big risk if the finger isn’t stable."
Impact on Australia’s Strategy
With South Africa building a lead in their second innings, Smith’s potential absence could force Australia to reshuffle their batting order. Possible scenarios include:
- Promoting all-rounder Cameron Green higher up the order
- Relying more heavily on opener Usman Khawaja to anchor the innings
- Bringing in a concussion substitute if Smith is ruled out entirely (though this would require medical confirmation)
Coach Andrew McDonald remained tight-lipped about contingency plans but acknowledged, "Steve’s a tough competitor. If there’s any way he can bat, he will. But we won’t take unnecessary risks with a player of his caliber, especially with the Ashes coming up." The reference to the upcoming Ashes series against England hinted at a possible cautious approach, given Smith’s long-term importance to the team.
Historical Context of Finger Injuries
Finger dislocations are not uncommon in cricket, particularly for slip fielders. Notable cases include:
- Ricky Ponting playing through a broken finger during the 2005 Ashes
- Virat Kohli missing matches in 2018 after a similar injury while fielding at gully
South Africa’s Response
South African captain Temba Bavuma expressed sympathy for Smith but emphasized his team’s focus on capitalizing on any advantage. "It’s never nice to see a player get hurt, but we have a job to do. If he’s not out there, it changes their dynamics, and we’ll look to exploit that."
With the match finely poised, Smith’s availability could prove decisive. Australia, chasing a maiden WTC title, will be desperate for his presence in the middle order. Meanwhile, South Africa, seeking redemption after a disappointing group stage, will look to press home any advantage.
As of publication, Cricket Australia had yet to release an official update on Smith’s condition. Fans and teammates alike will be anxiously awaiting news, hoping their star batter can return to the fray. For now, the cricketing world holds its breath, wondering if one dislocated finger could tilt the balance in this high-stakes final.