&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Steve Smith avoids surgery on injured finger, set to miss series opener against West Indies")
Australia's key batter Steve Smith is set to miss the opening Test against the West Indies after sustaining a finger injury while playing in the World Test Championship (WTC). As reported late Saturday evening (June 14), the news came as a minor relief, considering Smith was likely to undergo surgery on the injured finger. The Australian former captain sustained a finger injury on his little finger on Day 3 of the WTC final, where South Africa prevailed to end their ICC trophy drought.
Smith to avoid surgery on injured finger
"I'd say first Test may be unlikely, and then go from there, but it's bit early just to tell," Australia captain Pat Cummins said after the shock World Test Championship final loss against South Africa on Saturday.
The 36-year-old batter was taken to hospital during the middle session after dropping a sharp chance at slip off Temba Bavuma when he was on two, with the South African captain adding a further 63 runs to his tally by stumps. He would later stitch an unbeaten stand of 143 runs for the third wicket with Aiden Markram (102 not out) which sees the Proteas within touching distance of a maiden ICC world title.
Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal due to the slowish nature of the Lord's pitch, the Australian veteran took a painful blow on the right little finger after Mitchell Starc found the edge.
Smith immediately left the field grimacing while spilling the catch that would have left South Africa at a precarious 3-76 and put Australia in a strong position to claim back-to-back WTC titles.
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Smith was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's medical rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment.
A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation.
Smith was not in action on Day 4 of the WTC final and opted to sit out as Australia lost the WTC final to South Africa. It was the fourth time they had ever lost an ICC major men’s final with Smith being part of two.
