Steve Smith Discusses Finger Injury Following WTC Final

Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has spoken about the finger injury he sustained during the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s, providing an update on his recovery and potential return to international cricket.

Smith was hospitalized on the third day of Australia’s five-wicket defeat to South Africa after dislocating his right little finger while fielding.

The 36-year-old was hurt attempting to catch South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, who had only scored two runs at the time.

Fortunately, Smith’s injury did not necessitate surgical intervention.

“I will be in a splint for eight weeks, but I might be able to play with it within a few weeks,” Smith said after Australia’s loss. “It will hinge on my functionality and capabilities, so it was the best outcome I could have wished for.”

Despite the dropped catch, Bavuma proceeded to score 66 runs, forming a crucial partnership with Aiden Markram.

Smith elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the incident, highlighting the challenges posed by the Lord’s pitch.

“I was standing quite close, wearing a helmet. As we observed throughout the match, many edges fell short of the first and second slip fielders,” Smith explained. “The strategy was to position myself closely. However, I lost sight of the ball due to Mitchell Starc’s bowling angle. The ball went inside Bavuma’s hip, and I didn’t see it until late. It also dipped on me late.”

“It was challenging, and the ball didn’t settle well in my hand. Fortunately, there’s no fracture; it simply split the skin and dislocated, which made me feel unwell at the time.”

The former captain’s recent setback is one of several dramatic moments he has faced at Lord’s, notably including the bouncer he received from Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes series.

“I have a mixed relationship with this venue now,” Smith commented.

“I have experienced positive and negative memories here.

  • Being struck in the head by Jofra Archer in 2019
  • Now dislocating my finger yesterday.

Yet, it’s a fantastic venue for cricket. I have enjoyed playing here, and it was another excellent game of cricket.”

Australian medical personnel will continue to assess Smith’s recovery, hoping he will be available for the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.