Australia’s veteran batter Steve Smith confirms an eight-week recovery plan after suffering a compound dislocation at Lord’s, with hopes still alive for West Indies Test tour.
Australian cricket stalwart Steve Smith has shared a detailed update on the finger injury he sustained during the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s, while also reflecting on what he calls a “love-hate relationship” with the iconic venue.
Smith, who suffered a compound dislocation to his right little finger while fielding in the slips on Day 3 of the match, had to be taken to hospital after the incident. Despite the painful setback, the 36-year-old has not ruled out participation in Australia’s upcoming West Indies Test series, starting June 25.
“I will be in a splint for eight weeks now, and I may be able to play with it in a couple of weeks. It will depend on my functionality and what I am able to do, so it was probably the best result I could have hoped for,” Smith told media after Australia’s five-wicket defeat.
The Injury Incident: A Costly Miss
The injury occurred during a slip-catching opportunity off South African captain Temba Bavuma, who was on just 2 runs at the time. Smith was fielding close-in, wearing a helmet, due to the unpredictable bounce on the Lord’s pitch. Unfortunately, he fumbled the catch, and in the process, dislocated and split the skin on his finger.
“I was standing pretty close with the helmet on, and as we saw throughout the game, a lot of nicks went short of first and second slip. The plan was to stand close, and I lost sight of it with the angle Starc was bowling,” Smith explained.
“It dipped on me late… didn’t go into my hand well. Fortunately, there is no break—just a dislocation and skin split—but it made me feel pretty ill at that stage.”
That dropped chance proved pivotal. Bavuma went on to score 66 off 134 deliveries, forming a match-winning partnership with Aiden Markram, who was awarded Player of the Match for his century. Smith’s injury symbolised a turning point in the game—and possibly in the series ahead.
Lord’s: A Venue of Mixed Emotions
The injury adds another chapter to Steve Smith’s turbulent history at Lord’s. Cricket fans will remember the 2019 Ashes Test at the same venue, when Smith was struck on the head by a Jofra Archer bouncer, leading to concussion and missed matches.
“I have a love-hate relationship with this place now. I’ve had some good memories here and some not so good ones,” Smith admitted.
“Getting hit in the head by Jofra in 2019 and now having my digit knocked off yesterday—it’s not ideal. But it’s a wonderful place to play cricket, and I’ve enjoyed it every time.”
Despite the injury and emotional rollercoaster, Smith remains hopeful of returning soon and is determined to contribute to Australia’s upcoming challenges.
What’s Next for Smith?
Australia is scheduled to tour the West Indies for a three-match Test series starting June 25. While the finger will remain in a splint for eight weeks, Smith has not ruled out playing, depending on his mobility and pain tolerance.
With this being a crucial phase for Australian Test cricket, Smith’s experience and resilience could be a game-changer—if he recovers in time.