Steve Smith was spared surgery after suffering a complex dislocation on the right little finger during the third Australian match against South Africa near Lord. Despite the initial frightening, Smith’s finger was cleaned, sewn and placed in the splint. But now he is facing a tight recovery window to prove his condition before the Australian test series against Western India.
The injury occurred when Smith tried to capture a sharp chance of the temptation of the Bavum he poured, and immediately left the field in a visible discomfort. He was taken directly to the hospital where medical staff determined that the operation would not be required. While the wound is expected to recover within two weeks, Smith will have to wear a splint for up to eight weeks and will only be able to bat if it can handle it when wearing protective support.
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“It’s positive,” said Australian captain Pat Cummins. “I think it’s somewhere around 10 days to two weeks. Then you may try to bat with a splint and see what it looks like. I think it’s a little waiting and seeing. I would say the first test, maybe unlikely and then from there.
The first Australian Caribbean test is scheduled for June 25 in Barbados, followed by other matches in Grenada and Jamaica until July. This leaves Smith a narrow window to come back to match fitness, with his participation in the opening test now seems to be doubtful.
Smith was expected to play short stint for Washington Freedom in Major League (MLC) cricket between the WTC and the Caribbean tour. This connection is now uncertain because it focuses on recovery.
His potential absence in the series Opener would be a wound for Australia, especially due to the recent fighting of the Supreme Order in the final of the World Championship in the test. The ongoing problems of usman Khawaja against Pace, Marnus Labuschagne’s great debut as a temporary opener, and the failure of the twins Cameron Green on 3 left the Australian Pavel line vulnerable.
If Smith was excluded, Australia can turn to the reservation of Sam Constas or Josh Inglis, both of them currently with the team, even though neither of them raised space at the highest level.
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 15, 2025
