SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final: What happened to Steve Smith? Will he return to Field Again?

In the ongoing World Test Championship 2025 final, Australia has suffered a blow as Steve Smith has left the field with an injury on Day 3 of the match on Friday (June 13).

Australia's final hopes took a double blow on the third day at Lord's, as a dropped catch not only gave South Africa captain Temba Bavuma a reprieve, but also left Steven Smith nursing a serious finger injury. Smith suffered a compound dislocation of the little finger on his right hand.

SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final: What Happened to Steve Smith?

The incident occurred when Mitchell Starc found Bavuma's edge early in South Africa's second innings. Fielding at first slip and positioned so close that he wore a helmet, Smith attempted to grab a sharp low chance. However, the ball burst through and struck his hand awkwardly. The grimace on his face and his immediate decision to walk off, well before medical staff reached.

"He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to the hospital for X-rays and further treatment," said a Cricket Australia spokesperson.

SA vs AUS: Will Steve Smith return to field for WTC 2025 Final again?

With Smith in visible pain and undergoing further medical evaluation, his participation in the remainder of the WTC final remains highly unlikely. From a tactical perspective, the implications are immense. Australia already face instability at the top of the order, with Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green all struggling for runs at Lord's.

His potential absence for the Caribbean tour not only leaves a technical and psychological gap in the middle order, but also complicates selection dynamics.

In the match, South Africa stands in a decent position as they chase the target in the 4th innings. In the 3rd session of Day 3, the Proteas are 173 for 2, with Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma looking strong at the crease. Markram bats on 81 runs while captain Bavuma is also nearing his half-century.