Steve Smith 'physically sick' as dropped catch finger injury forces him to leave the field
Updated . First published at
Steve Smith was forced to leave the field on day three of the World Test Championship final after dropping a catch that dislocated his right finger.
After a number of chances in the slips fell short for both sides across the three days, Australia decided to move first slip in front of the keeper.
As a result, Smith was wearing a helmet, and when a chance off Temba Bavuma came, the world-class fielder couldn't react in time and dropped it. Bavuma was on 2 at the time with South Africa 2-76.
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"He is so close there with the helmet on," Nasser Hussain said on Amazon Prime.
"And it looks like he's dislocated a finger. He's going to run off ... Very rare we see slip in front of the keeper and that is exactly where Smith was and he's in real pain ... Almost feeling physically sick there."
Steve Smith left the field after dropping a sharp chance. Amazon Prime
Smith immediately clutched at his hand and whipped the helmet off before dry-heaving at the sight of his finger.
"I think it's painful ... He's almost being a bit nauseous and you can see the finger's damaged and he needs to get it popped back into place," Shaun Pollock explained.
"It's difficult. It's as close as you've ever been standing in your entire career in regards to the slip cordon. And also the thought of having a helmet on (impacts you). Yes, you bat with a helmet on, but it's a completely different kettle of fish.
"You're standing in that position with the heavy helmet on and obscured vision and closer than you've ever been."
Steve Smith looks at his finger after dropping a catch. Getty
Ravi Shastri noted the ball didn't carry as expected with it "taking off" and going to Smith at chest height.
"Very little time to react and he's hurt himself badly, taken totally by surprise," he said.
Australia's medical staff entered the field and helped Smith off.
Sam Konstas replaced Smith as he entered the Lord's pavilion.
Smith was subsequently taken to hospital for x-rays.
