Australia have been dealt a severe setback when star batsman Steve Smith was taken for X-ray at a local hospital after he suffered a compound dislocation in his right little finger during Day Three’s play of the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at the Lord’s on Friday. Steve Smith was in close at wide first slip with a helmet in hand during the 20th over when South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, on two, edged one to the cordon off left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, and the batter couldn’t hold on to it, as he didn’t get much time to judge it.
Multiple Substitutions After Steve Smith Injury
Soon, Smith, who was located around 14 metres from the stumps, walked off the field, with teenage opening batsman Sam Konstas replacing him as a substitute fielder. But even Konstas had to receive medical attention after a few overs and was replaced by substitute fielder, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann on the field.
Steve Smith didn’t come back to the field in the post-tea session after suffering the big blow, with Cricket Australia (CA) saying that the right-handed batter ‘suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger’. “He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to the hospital for X-ray and further treatment,” added CA.
Smith’s Injury a Blow Ahead of West Indies Tour
The dislocation renders Smith a huge uncertainty for appearing in their Test tour of the West Indies beginning in ten days’ time. The only respite for Australia, the present World Test Championship champions, is that Australia have completed all their batting tasks, with Smith scoring 66 and 13 respectively.
South Africa are pursuing a daunting 282 after Australia was able to score 207 in the second innings due to Mitchell Starc’s rearguard contribution of 58 and his combining with Josh Hazlewood for a 59-run last-wicket stand.
Markram Anchors South Africa’s Chase
Aiden Markram kept one end steady to remain unbeaten on 102 off 159 deliveries as South Africa moved to 213/3 in 56 overs in their second innings, needing just 69 more runs to seal a memorable victory.
South Africa would be hoping skipper Temba Bavuma is fine after being in serious pain post-tweaking his hamstring, ten minutes before the tea break. Bavuma managed to walk off at 11 not out, but an assessment in the break determined he could resume his innings in the final session. He returned to bat and batted out the day, remaining unbeaten on 65 off 121 balls.
