New Delhi: 

Australia’s batter Steve Smith is unlikely to make a return to the field for the remainder of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The 36-year-old suffered a compound dislocation of his right pinkie finger on Day 3 while attempting a catch of Proteas captain Temba Bavuma.

Cricket Australia issues official statement:

Cricket Australia released a statement confirming Smith’s injury. The official statement read, “Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger while fielding in the slip cordon during the ICC Men’s World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s.”

The duration of Smith’s recovery is yet to be confirmed. However, this setback casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies, set to begin on June 25.

Earlier in the day, Australia posted a second-innings total of 207, setting South Africa a target of 282 runs. The Aussies were in deep trouble at 73/7 before Mitchell Starc played a crucial unbeaten knock of 58 runs to steady the innings. Kagiso Rabada led South Africa’s bowling attack with an impressive four-wicket haul.

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith revealed during commentary that Smith had dislocated his right pinkie. Due to many edges not carrying to the slips cordon throughout the match, Smith was standing closer than usual just 14 meters behind Bavuma and was wearing a helmet when Mitchell Starc delivered a 138 kph short ball.

Smith reacted but couldn’t get his hands up in time for the shoulder-high chance and had to leave the field immediately.

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