Watch: Steve Smith's Finger Injury Sparks Concern for Australia in WTC 2025 Final

Steve Smith, Australia's lucky charm, is not expected to play the rest of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's Cricket Ground against South Africa. On the third day, the 36-year-old injured his finger trying to catch Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma off Mitchell Starc's bowling. Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith, who was commentating during the last session on Day 3, disclosed that he had sustained a complex dislocation of his right little finger.

Mitchell Starc's delivery was of a decent length. Temba Bavuma was unable to make the ideal contact when attempting to drive the ball towards the cover area. He ended up edging the ball from the bat's outside half as a result. Smith, who was assigned to the first slip, did not respond to the reflex catch in time, suggesting that he had lost focus. 

Steve Smith Injury Woes:

That looked painful 🤕

Steve Smith drops Temba Bavuma while standing up close at first slip, and in the process picks up a finger injury and leaves the field for treatment. pic.twitter.com/sSWYoQf50c

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 13, 2025

Consequently, the ball quickly jumped out of his grasp, leading to a missed catch. Smith dropped to the ground, clutching his finger. Steve Smith called for assistance after suffering severe injuries. Physiotherapists attended to him after he left the field. The Australian physiotherapist was observed massaging Smith's back outside the boundary rope. After that, he left the field to get medical attention. After missing the final session on Day 3, the Australian No. 4 batter was taken to the hospital for scans.

Smith said, "Steve Smith's injury is a compound dislocation of his right middle finger. He was assessed on the ground, and now he's been taken away to the hospital to get further assessment and treatment. So that will hurt them in a couple of ways. A great fielder, ironically, he did it by dropping a catch, but because of an experience plus factor and tight situations, a shoulder to lean on is not going to be there."

Compared to the early innings, the South African hitters had improved in appearance. The batsmen have arrived with a greater intention of scoring runs as they attempt to reach the difficult total of 282. Leading the assault from the front is Aiden Markram, who ended the second session of the third day undefeated at 49*(66).

At the other end, he has regrettably lost a few of his partners. To send Starc's fuller throw for a boundary, Ryan Rickelton flashed at a full-length delivery. But Alex Carey made no mistakes as the outside edge went directly to the slip cordon. 

Wiaan Mulder entered the game and made a fine of 27 (50) before being sent out for foul play. Since then, SA has been steadied by Markram and Bavuma, who need to win their first WTC Final by 188 more runs. With his 2/37, Starc has been Australia's best bowler.

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