Australia’s star batter Steve Smith suffered a painful finger injury while trying to take a catch from an unusual position in the slip cordon on Day 3 of the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s on Friday, June 13. The former Australian captain missed a crucial chance to dismiss South African skipper Temba Bavuma off Mitchell Starc’s bowling in the 20th over.
Australia were in need of a breakthrough after Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder stitched together a 61-run stand for the second wicket with positive intent. Starc finally removed Mulder and soon produced another chance when Bavuma edged one from around the wicket.
Due to several edges falling short earlier in the innings, Smith had moved significantly forward in the slip position—closer than usual and even ahead of the wicketkeeper. Although he was wearing a helmet, the experienced fielder couldn’t react quickly enough to the sharp edge, resulting in both the dropped catch and his finger injury.
Steve Smith injured his finger and possibly his shoulder while attempting a catch. He was in visible pain, sparking dislocation concerns, and walked off with medical staff for further assessment.
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Proteas steady at 94/2 at Tea; Steve Smith off the field with injury
Temba Bavuma has capitalized on his reprieve and remains unbeaten on 11 from 20 balls at the close of the second session. At the other end, Aiden Markram has been steady and is nearing a well-earned half-century.
South Africa still require 188 runs to reach the target, while Australia are eight wickets away from defending their title. As for Steve Smith, there has been no official word yet on the extent of his injury, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll take the field again in the final session of Day 3.
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