Bad news for Pat Cummins' Australia during WTC Final as star player faces...
New Delhi: Australia's vice-captain and key batsman Steve Smith suffered a finger injury while fielding on the third day of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's. The incident happened in the 20th over of South Africa's second innings, when captain Temba Bavuma hit the outside edge of the bat on Mitchell Starc's ball. The ball went fast towards Smith, standing in the slip. He was standing ahead of the regular place of the first sling, wearing a helmet.
Steve Smith was defeated by the speed:
Steve Smith was a bit shocked by the speed and height of the ball and he dropped this important catch. At that time Temba Bavuma was batting on just 2 runs. While dropping the catch, Smith's finger got hurt badly, due to which he appeared to be in a lot of pain. After this, the Australian support staff immediately came on the field and Smith was taken out for treatment. In his place, Sam Constas was sent on the field as a substitute fielder.
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Steve Smith reached the hospital:
Steve Smith had to be taken to the hospital after the dressing room. He has a compound dislocation in the little finger of his right hand. That is why he had to go to the hospital. A statement from Australia said, 'Steve Smith suffered a compound dislocation in his right little finger while fielding in the slip during the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord's. He was checked by the Australian team's medical staff on the field. He has been taken to the hospital for X-ray and further treatment.'
Now it is impossible for Steve Smith to take part in the match. He does not bowl and both innings of Australia are over. Therefore, the team will not miss him much. However, Smith has a lot of experience of captaincy and he is also the vice-captain of the team. The team will definitely miss his leadership. To win this match, South Africa has got a target of 282 runs.
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