The World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 has been a spectacle. Low scores, bowlers on top, dropped catches, close decisions, and impractical DRS reviews. It’s got it all. In the second session of day three, the game may have taken the biggest turn as South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma was dropped by Steve Smith, Australia’s best close-in fielder, at first slip.
For the unaware, Smith is one of five fielders who have 200 catches to their name. With South Africa still needing 206 runs and Wiaan Mulder departing just two overs before, the catch could have changed the outcome of the WTC Final 2025.
Steve Smith dislocates finger
It was Mitchell Starc who was on a run. Having scored a fifty in the first session, it was the left-arm pacer who had taken both the wickets. Starc had the chance to claim a third but Smith dropped the golden chance. Now, it’s not his fault entirely. Due to low carry and bounce, he was standing closer at first slip than one usually does.
Smith was also wearing a helmet. The ball rushed towards him as Bavuma looked to defend a short ball and edged it. Not only did Smith drop the catch but it hit him flush on his right-arm little finger. He called for the physio immediately and it looked like he had dislocated his pinky. He’d also hurt his right shoulder it seemed like.
The Australian medical staff rushed to the fielder and Smith didn’t even consult with them before walking off the field, wincing in pain. Sam Konstas came as his replacement but weirdly enough, he got a lower back issue as well and then Matt Kuhnemann came on the field as Smith’s replacement.
Although Smith wasn’t going to bat again, his fielding and leadership will be a big miss for Australia if he doesn’t return to the field. Although Pat Cummins is the captain, he often leans on Smith for advice.
