Steve Smith walks off the field with a finger injury after dropping Temba Bavuma on Day 3 of SA vs AUS WTC 2025 Final [Watch]

Australia ace player Steve Smith sustained some serious damage to his finger while attempting to take a catch in an unorthodox position in the slip cordon during Day 3 of the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord's on Friday (June 13). The former skipper handed a major reprieve to the opposition skipper, Temba Bavuma, off Mitchell Starc's bowling in the 20th over.

Australia were desperate for a breakthrough after Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder showed serious intent and put on a 61-run partnership for the second wicket. Starc dismissed Mulder, and created another opportunity by getting Bavuma to nick one with his around-the-wicket angle.

With several of the edges not carrying earlier in the innings, Smith had stepped ahead in his position in the slip cordon, well ahead of the wicket-keeper as well. The astute fielder had a helmet on, but could not deal with the pace at which the ball flew after making contact with the outside edge.

Smith's quick reflexes allowed him to bring his hands towards the ball, but he failed to hold on, and managed to hurt his finger, while also potentially injuring his shoulder in the process.

The former skipper looked in immediate discomfort, with commentators speculating a potential dislocation. The medical staff soon rushed out to the scene, and the player walked off the field with them for further assessment of the injury.

Youngster Sam Konstas came onto the field as a substitute for the outgoing veteran. Temba Bavuma also pulled his hamstring shortly after, and sought treatment from the physios moments before the end of the session.

South Africa head into the Tea Break at 94-2 while Smith remains off the field

Temba Bavuma has made the most of his second life to trudge to an unbeaten 11 off 20 deliveries at the end of the second session. Aiden Markram has looked composed at the other end, and is on the brink of a monumental fifty. The Proteas are still 188 runs away from the target, while Australia need eight wickets to retain their championship.

There is still no official update regarding the severity of Steve Smith's injury. It remains to be seen whether he returns to the field in the final session of Day 3 or not.