Steve Smith was admitted to the hospital following the dislocation of his right little finger in the WTC Final 2025

On Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, Australia was dealt a severe setback when their great batsman, Steve Smith, was hurt while trying to make a catch. He was forced off the pitch and sent to the hospital for scans.

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, was batting on just two runs when he edged a Mitchell Starc delivery towards the slip cordon during the last session of Day 3. Steve Smith, wearing a helmet and positioned himself close in, shifted to try to make a catch. But in addition to missing the catch that would have cheaply dismissed the Proteas captain, he was in excruciating pain right after and clutched his right hand before leaving the pitch.

Steve Smith’s injury is confirmed by the Australian squad.

Steve Smith was brought to the hospital for scans after not returning for the remainder of the day after receiving initial treatment from the medical professionals of the Australian squad. Cricket Australia confirmed that the 36-year-old’s right little finger had been dislocated and that additional medical testing would be performed.

“While fielding in the slip cordon during the ICC Men’s World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s, Steve Smith sustained a complex dislocation of his right little finger. According to a statement from Cricket Australia, “Australian team medical personnel evaluated him on the pitch and transported him to the hospital for X-rays and additional care.”

Steve Smith is unlikely to make a comeback to the pitch on Day 4 or perhaps miss the rest of the tournament altogether. Additionally, Australia wanted to improve their chances after taking two early wickets and setting the Proteas a goal of 282. They are on the verge of a historic victory, though, thanks to Aiden Markram and Bavuma.

Due to Markram’s undefeated century and a valiant effort from Bavuma, who is battling a hamstring injury, the Proteas ended Day 3 with just 69 runs needed and eight wickets left. Due to their undefeated 143-run partnership, South Africa is now very close to winning the ICC trophy.