On Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, Australia’s ace batsman Steve Smith sustained an injury while attempting a catch, requiring him to leave the pitch and be transferred to a hospital for scans.
The injury occurred in the last session of Day 3 when South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, batting on two, nicked a Mitchell Starc delivery into the slip cordon. Smith, stationed close in with a helmet, moved to make a catch. However, he not only dropped the catch, which would have easily removed the Proteas captain, but he was also in apparent discomfort, clutching his right hand as he walked off the pitch.
The Australian squad confirmed Steve Smith’s injury.
Smith did not return for the rest of the day after receiving initial treatment from the Australian team’s medical staff. He was later brought to the hospital for scans. Cricket Australia said that the 36-year-old had dislocated his right little finger and would be examined further.
“Steve Smith sustained a complex dislocation of his right little finger while fielding in the slip cordon during the ICC Men’s World Test Championship Final versus South Africa at Lord’s. He was evaluated by Australian team medical personnel on the pitch before being sent to the hospital for X-rays and additional treatment, according to a Cricket Australia statement.
Meanwhile, there is a good probability Smith will not return to the pitch on Day 4, or even at all for the rest of the final. Furthermore, after setting the Proteas a target of 282, Australia sought to improve their chances after taking up two early wickets. But Aiden Markram and Bavuma have put them on the verge of a historic victory.
Markram’s undefeated century and a valiant knock from Bavuma, who is nursing a hamstring strain, saw the Proteas finish Day 3 needing only 69 runs with eight wickets remaining. The pair’s undefeated 143-run partnership has moved South Africa closer to winning the ICC trophy.
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