Steven Smith experienced a painful setback during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger. While fielding at first slip, Smith, positioned close enough to justify wearing a helmet, dropped a sharp chance from South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma. The injury has cast serious doubt on Smith’s availability for Australia’s upcoming tour of the West Indies.
The incident took place on the third day of the match, when Bavuma, at just 2 runs, edged a delivery from Mitchell Starc. Smith, realising the severity of his injury almost immediately, left the field in visible pain before medical assistance arrived. As a Cricket Australia spokesperson relayed, “He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to the hospital for X-rays and further treatment.”
Smith’s absence could be significant not only for the current match, but might also disrupt Australia’s plans for the West Indies, with the first Test in Barbados looming on 25th June. Australia are already grappling with batting uncertainties, as Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green have struggled in this final.
Smith, however, has enjoyed a run of good form, scoring four centuries in his last five Tests against India and Sri Lanka, and adding a useful 66 in the first innings at Lord’s. His potential absence opens the door for discussions around team structure. Sam Konstas might seize this opportunity to return, while Labuschagne and Green could adjust their positions in the batting order.
The current squad, which includes Josh Inglis as an additional batting option for the WTC final, is also set to travel to the Caribbean. Should further reinforcements be required, Nathan McSweeney may be considered as a potential addition.
Andrew McGlashan, deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo, has reported on this development.
