5 days ago
5
Australian cricket star Steve Smith was left in agony after sustaining a gruesome finger injury on Day Three of the World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s.
The 36-year-old was fielding in the slips when he dived for an edge off South Africa’s Temba Bavuma, only to misjudge the ball and see it smash into his right hand.
Cameras captured the moment Smith recoiled in agony, staring down at his hand in horror - his pinkie bent at a stomach-churning angle. He appeared to gag as he caught sight of the injury.
Smith grimaced in pain as he spilled the crucial catch and walked off the field, missing a key moment that could have strengthened Australia’s bid for back-to-back WTC titles.
He was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's changing rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment.
A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation.
Australian cricket star Steve Smith was left in agony after sustaining a gruesome finger
Cameras captured the moment Smith recoiled in agony, staring down at his hand in horror
Smith was assessed by medical staff in the change rooms before being taken to hospital
One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith's looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence.
But Smith's misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve.
The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023.
A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match.
But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22.
Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years.
If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3.
Australia's first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica.
