Sickening details over Smith’s ‘gruesome’ injury revealed as update gives Aussies hope
Steve Smith has sustained a sickening finger injury on day three of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, but the Australian vice-captain has received a big boost in his bid to feature in the upcoming West Indies series.
Chasing a 282-run target for victory at the home of cricket, the Proteas were 2-72 when fast bowler Mitchell Starc found the outside edge of Temba Bavuma’s bat, with the Dukes ball sailing towards Smith at chest height.
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The 36-year-old, who was donning a helmet and positioned closer than an orthodox first slip to negate the lack of carry, grassed the sharp chance to gift Bavuma an extra life on 2 and deny Starc a third wicket.
To make matters worse for the Australians, Smith damaged the little finger on his right hand while attempting the catch, with the digit pointing in the wrong direction as he returned to his feet.
Dry-heaving at the sight of his hand, he ran off the field in serious pain accompanied the Australian doctor and physiotherapist, with his bone penetrating the skin.
Cricket Australia later confirmed that Smith had suffered a compound dislocation in his finger and would be sent for scans at a nearby hospital.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Smith could avoid surgery after his wound was stitched up, with the full extent of damage currently unknown.
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“We were not up to speed in terms of how gruesome the injury was,” Australian assistant coach Daniel Vettori told reporters during the post-match press conference.
“We will just wait to see what comes out once he gets back from the hospital.”
Smith was also set to play two Major League Cricket matches for the Washington Freedom next week before Australia’s tour of the West Indies.
“He will have eight weeks, at least, possibly with some rehab time,” former Australian opener Matthew Hayden said in commentary.
“There is a potential for surgery there, for sure.”
Australia’s slips cordon was positioned in front of wicketkeeper Alex Carey to negate the lack of carry, with several edges falling short of the fielders across days two and three at Lord’s. During the lunch break on Friday, Smith and his teammates were seen practising slips catches while wearing helmets.
“(Smith) is so close there with the helmet on,” former England captain Nasser Hussain said in commentary.
Former South African bowler Shaun Pollock suggested Smith’s helmet had obscured his vision, contributing to the dropped catch.
Bavuma survived through to stumps unscathed, with South Africa on the verge of winning its first ICC trophy in 27 years.
Chasing a 282-run target for victory, the Proteas are 2-213 at stumps on day three with opener Aiden Markram (102*) and Bavuma (65*) unbeaten in the middle.