By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@APPhoto.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed experienced batter Steve Smith suffered a compound dislocation of his little finger during the ongoing third day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at The Lord’s.
Smith suffered the injury when he dropped a catch off the bowling of left-arm quick Mitchell Starc while fielding in the slips during the afternoon session at Lord’s.
Starc, bowling round the wicket, squared up South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma and he edged the ball towards Smith, who was stood a littler closer and wearing a helmet because some deliveries have not carried.
Smith got his hands to the ball but shelled the catch and then immediately left the field in noticeable discomfort.
A Cricket Australia statement said: “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.”
Smith has scored more than 10 000 test runs at a superb average of more than 56.
The 36-year-old former Australia captain made a valuable 66 in the WTC title-holders’ first innings at Lord’s.
His injury will be a concern to Australia ahead of their three-test series away to the West Indies, starting in Barbados on June 25.