Steve Smith injury update: Star batter sent to hospital after hurting finger during SA vs AUS WTC 2025 final

Australia have been dealt a massive blow with veteran batter Steve Smith headed to the hospital for scans after suffering a finger injury on Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord's. The 36-year-old shelled a catch at slip off Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma early in his innings off the bowling of Mitchell Starc.

The situation worsened when Smith was visibly in pain after hurting his finger and left the ground for treatment. The latest news is that the star batter has been sent to the hospital for scans with a dislocated finger.

Here is the statement from Australia on Smith's injury (via ICC):

"Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger while fielding in the slip cordon during the ICC Men's World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord's. He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to hospital for x-rays and further treatment."

While Smith is done with batting for the match, his experience and veteran leadership could be a crucial miss for Australia in the rest of the contest. The champion batter scored a pivotal 66 in Australia's first-innings total of 212 on difficult batting conditions.

However, he fell for only 13 in the second innings as Australia set South Africa a target of 282 for victory.

2025 WTC final hangs in the balance in last session on Day 3

After the seesaw first two days of the 2025 WTC final saw South Africa and Australia pick up wickets for fun, the outcome hangs in the balance on the final session on Day 3 in progress. Chasing a formidable 282 for victory, the Proteas got off to a poor start, losing opener Ryan Rickelton for just nine.

However, Aiden Makram and Wiaan Mulder steadied the ship with a crucial 61-run partnership for the second wicket. After the latter fell for 27, skipper Bavuma joined Markram with the game in the balance.

Displaying tremendous poise under pressure, the duo have added 84 for the third wicket to take the Proteas to 155/2 in 38 overs. They need another 128 runs to win with eight wickets and over two days left.