Australian star Steve Smith recently took a painful blow to his dislocated little finger during a match against West Indies, but swiftly declared he was fine after hitting a crucial 71 runs.
A Nasty Knock
The incident unfolded when a delivery from Alzarri Joseph bounced up sharply and seamed back, catching Smith’s right glove right on his recently dislocated little finger. It was a concerning moment for players and fans alike.
Smith didn’t immediately show pain but soon removed his glove, revealing a heavily strapped finger. He winced visibly when trying to flex it, prompting the team physio to rush onto the field to check on him.
Bouncing Back with the Bat
Despite the scare, Smith quickly composed himself and continued to bat with remarkable resolve. He went on to score an emphatic 71, steadying Australia’s innings from a shaky 3/28 to 221/7 by the close of play, giving them a commanding 254-run lead.
This impressive half-century also marked a significant milestone for Smith, as he completed 15,000 runs in first-class cricket, further cementing his status as a batting legend.
Smith’s Take on the Injury and Pitch
Speaking after the match, Smith confirmed the impact, stating, “My first ball hit me straight on the finger. It was not ideal but it feels alright.” He acknowledged the challenging nature of the St George’s pitch, noting its unpredictable bounce.
He explained his strategy to adapt to the tricky surface: “Decided to bat on middle stump, stay still and negate lbw as much as possible, and try to use the full face of the bat.” This tactical adjustment clearly paid off.
Setting the Target
Looking ahead, Smith outlined Australia’s goal for the second innings. The team is aiming to push their lead beyond 300 runs, believing that the new ball will be crucial for their bowlers to capitalize on the deteriorating pitch conditions.
Praise from Cricket Legends
Commentators were quick to laud Smith’s performance. Former Australian player Greg Blewett highlighted Smith’s unmatched belief in his ability to score runs, calling his batting “ominous” on a difficult surface.
Former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite echoed the sentiment, praising Smith’s brilliance. He remarked, “Steve Smith has proven why he is one of, if not, the best batter in our generation,” underscoring the universal respect for his talent.
- Steve Smith was hit on his recently dislocated little finger.
- He scored a crucial 71 runs despite the injury scare.
- Smith also surpassed 15,000 first-class runs during the innings.
- He described the pitch as “tricky” but felt his finger was “alright.”
Smith’s resilience and exceptional form continue to be a talking point as the series progresses.
