Can Steve Smith Make a Comeback After His Finger Injury?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Steve Smith's journey back to the cricket field is filled with hope and resilience. After sustaining a finger injury during a crucial match, he shares his positive outlook on returning for the West Indies series. Join us as we explore Smith's recovery and his mixed emotions towards playing at Lord's.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith faced a compound dislocation of his finger.
- He remains optimistic about returning for the West Indies series.
- Smith's injury occurred while attempting a catch.
- The incident adds to his complex history at Lord's.
- He expresses a love/hate relationship with the iconic venue.
London, June 15 (NationPress) Australian veteran batter Steve Smith, who sustained a finger injury during the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, shared insights about his recovery and expressed optimism about participating in the upcoming three-match Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.
Smith injured his finger while attempting to make a catch and was later taken for an X-ray due to a compound dislocation in his right little finger during Day Three of the match.
The initial assessment for Smith is quite positive, as the 36-year-old has fortunately avoided surgery and still has a chance to play in the series against the West Indies, which begins on June 25.
“I will be in a splint for eight weeks now, and I may be able to play with it in a couple of weeks. My ability to play will depend on my functionality, so it was probably the best outcome I could have hoped for,” Smith stated, as reported by ICC.
Smith was positioned at wide first slip with a helmet when South Africa captain Temba Bavuma edged one from left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, and the Australian veteran missed the catch with Bavuma only on two runs at that moment. The missed opportunity proved costly as Bavuma went on to score 66 and played a crucial role in a match-winning partnership with opener Aiden Markram.
“I was standing pretty close with the helmet on, and as we observed during the game, many nicks went short of first and second slip. The plan was to stand quite close, but I lost sight of it due to the angle Mitchell Starc was bowling. The ball kind of went inside Bavuma's hip, and I didn’t see it until very late, which made it tricky,” Smith explained.
The incident adds to a series of challenges Smith has faced at Lord’s over the years, with the Australian admitting he now has complicated feelings when recalling his recent experiences at the iconic north London venue.
“I have a love/hate relationship with this place now. I have had both great and not-so-great memories here. From getting hit in the head by Jofra (Archer) in 2019 to now having my finger injured, it’s been a rollercoaster. However, it’s a fantastic venue for cricket, and I have enjoyed playing here, as it was another thrilling game,” he concluded.
Point of View
Steve Smith's injury and recovery journey is a testament to the resilience of athletes. His experience at Lord's reflects both the challenges of the sport and the sheer determination required to overcome them. The cricketing world will be watching closely as he aims for a triumphant return.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Steve Smith sustain?
Steve Smith sustained a compound dislocation in his right little finger during the ICC World Test Championship Final.
When is Steve Smith expected to return to play?
Steve Smith is hopeful to return to action for the three-match Test series against the West Indies starting June 25.
What does Steve Smith say about his recovery?
Smith mentioned he will be in a splint for eight weeks and may be able to play in a couple of weeks depending on his functionality.
How did Steve Smith injure his finger?
He injured his finger while attempting to catch a ball edged by Temba Bavuma during a match.
What are Smith's feelings towards playing at Lord's?
Smith has a mixed emotional response to Lord's, recalling both good and bad memories from his experiences there.
