Steve Smith’s Fractured Finger Turns the Tide: South Africa Close to Historic WTC Win Today
Unbroken 143 run partnership aftr Smith's broken finger
London: Australia’s hopes of defending their World Test Championship (WTC) title took a severe blow at Lord’s when star batsman and first slip fielder Steve Smith suffered a fracture to the pinkie finger of his right hand. The incident occurred while attempting a catch of South African captain Temba Bavuma, who was batting on just 2 runs at the time.
Smith’s injury has ruled him out of the remainder of the final, and possibly the upcoming West Indies series as well. His absence could prove decisive, as Bavuma went on to score 65 not out, forming a crucial unbroken 143-run partnership with opener Aiden Markram, who is unbeaten on 102 off 159 balls (11 fours). By stumps on Day 3, South Africa were 213/2, needing just 69 more runs to clinch their first-ever major ICC trophy.
The Cost of a Missed Chance
At the moment of the injury, Australia appeared to be on the verge of making a breakthrough. Mitchell Starc bowled a short delivery at 138 km/h, which Bavuma edged toward Smith at slip. But in an uncharacteristic positioning error, Smith stood closer to the stumps than usual and failed to react in time. The ball struck his finger instead of landing safely in his hands.
🚨 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 🚨
– Steve Smith has dislocated the little finger of his right hand. 💔
– Smith left the field in extreme pain 😢
The injury looked really bad – Get well soon Smith. 🙏❤️🩹#WtcFinal2025 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/dbaPIjpyYd— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) June 13, 2025
Smith, despite wearing a helmet, was visibly in pain and quickly walked off the field. Team physiotherapists and doctors rushed in, and he was taken for an X-ray, confirming a fracture.
A Turning Point?
This missed catch could end up being the pivotal moment of the match. At the time, South Africa were 76/2. Had Smith taken the catch, Bavuma’s wicket might have sparked a collapse. Instead, the Proteas capitalized on the reprieve, and now stand at the doorstep of an iconic Test win.
If South Africa completes the chase today without major hiccups, this match could go down as a defining moment in their cricketing history—potentially delivering their first ICC championship.
Smith’s Near Future Uncertain
While the full extent of Smith’s injury is yet to be confirmed, early signs suggest he may miss at least part of Australia’s upcoming Test series in the West Indies, set to begin on June 25. The team’s medical staff will assess his recovery timeline once swelling and pain subside.
As the WTC Final heads into what could be its concluding day, all eyes are now on South Africa’s batting lineup. A steady morning session without setbacks would not only win them the match but mark a historic milestone for South African crickWin.