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LONDON: Australia star batter Steve Smith was rushed to the hospital after injuring his finger while fielding at slip on the third day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final here at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday.
The incident occurred in the 20th over when South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was squared up off Mithcel Starc’s delivery. The ball went towards first slip at chin-height towards Steve Smith, who was standing at a very unusual position with the helmet on.
Steve Smith stood in this position because of the too many edges not carried in the match. Following the injury, Smith immediately started to run off the field.
The right-handed batter eventually walked off with the physios, looking in serious pain.
According to the latest reports, Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Steven Smith has “suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger.
“He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment,” the statement said.
At the time of filing this report, South Africa were 130-2, with 132 more required for WTC glory with eight wickets in hand.
Aiden Markaram 61* and Captain Temba Bavuma 33* kept South Africa afloat in a 282-run chase.
Earlier, the Proteas lost their opener, Ryan Rickelton (6), in only the second over. However, Markaram and Wiaan Mulder forged a 61-run partnership.
The duo’s stand steadied South Africa, but not before Mulder’s wicket fell, as he was caught driving to covers. Mitchell Starc took his second wicket, ending Mulder’s gritty knock of 29 runs, reducing South Africa to 70-2.
Meanwhile, Aiden Markram kept finding the gaps with ease and helped his team in the hunt in the WTC final at the stroke of tea.
