Little bit of wait and see...: Cummins provides update on Steve Smith's injury

ANI June 15, 2025 254 views

Pat Cummins remains uncertain about Steve Smith's availability for the West Indies tour after his finger injury in the WTC Final. Smith missed the final day at Lord's but remains optimistic about recovery. Australia's focus now shifts to the upcoming Test series starting June 25. The team faces challenges after their disappointing loss to South Africa.

"It is a little bit of a wait and see... first Test maybe unlikely." – Pat Cummins
London, June 14 ;: Following his side's loss in the ICC World Test Championship final, Australian skipper Pat Cummins provided an update on Steve Smith's injury, saying that it is "a little bit of a wait and see".

Key Points

1

Steve Smith suffered a dislocated finger in WTC Final

2

Cummins says first Test against West Indies doubtful

3

Smith batted with a splint in practice

4

Australia shifts focus after WTC loss to South Africa

Despite the bitter disappointment of the ICC World Test Championship Final loss, captain Pat Cummins is already shifting his focus to Australia's next challenge: a three-match Test series in the West Indies, starting from June 25 in Barbados. However, a significant concern hangs over their upcoming assignment, with the availability of star batter Smith.

Smith missed the final day's play at Lord's, having suffered a dislocated finger while fielding on day three, casting uncertainty on his participation in the Caribbean tour.

"It is a little bit of a wait and see., but he is good and I think he enjoyed the green whistle for an hour yesterday. But he is positive," Cummins said after Australia's loss to South Africa at Lord's.

"I think it is somewhere around 10 days to two weeks, and then maybe you try and bat with a splint and see how that looks. So I think it is a bit of a wait and see. I would say first Test (against the West Indies) maybe unlikely, and then kind of go from there, but it's a bit early just to tell," he added.

Coming to the match, on day first, Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl first. They dominated the first session with the ball, as fiery spells from Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) reduced Australia to 67/4. A 79-run stand between Steve Smith (66 in 112 balls, with 10 fours) and Beau Webster (72 in 92 balls, with 11 fours) and a 46-run stand between Carey (23 in 31 balls, with four boundaries) and Webster took Australia to 212 all out.

With the help of early two wickets from Starc and contributions from Cummins and Hazlewood helped Australia reduced South Africa to 43/4 at day one end, with Bavuma (3*) and Bedingham (0*) unbeaten. A six-fer from skipper Pat Cummins (6/28) helped Australia bundle out Proteas for 138 runs and secure a 74-run lead, despite a half-century run-stand between skipper Temba Bavuma (36 in 84 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and David Bedingham (45 in 111 balls, with six fours).

In their second innings, Australia was reduced to 73/7, but a 61-run stand between Alex Carey (46 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Mitchell Starc (58* in 136 balls, with five fours), who also put a last wicket stand of 59 runs with Josh Hazlewood. Australia was bundled out for 207 runs, leading by 281 runs.

Rabada (4/59) and Ngidi (3/38) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa.

In the run-chase, Proteas lost Ryan Rickelton early, but a 61-run stand between Wiaan Mulder (27 in 50 balls, with five fours) and Markram put Proteas on track. An even gigantic, frustrating 147-run stand between Markram (136 in 207 balls, with 14 fours) and skipper Bavuma (66 in 134 balls, with five fours) followed, rattling Australia. Despite Starc (3/63) attempting to keep Aussies alive, Kyle Verreyne hit the winning runs for South Africa to take them to their first ICC title since the ICC Knockout 1998.

Markram took home the 'Player of the Match' award.

Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments on the cricket article:
R
Rahul K.
Tough loss for Australia but they'll bounce back! Smith's injury is concerning though - he's their most reliable batter in Tests. Hope he recovers soon for the West Indies series. Meanwhile, South Africa played brilliantly - that Markram innings was pure class! 🇿🇦🏏
P
Priya M.
As an Indian cricket fan, I must say this WTC final was more exciting than our match last year 😅 Rabada was absolutely lethal with the ball. But honestly, Test cricket needs more context - why just one final after 2 years? Should be a 3-match series at least!
A
Arjun S.
Smith missing even one Test is a big blow for Australia. His technique is textbook perfect - our young Indian batsmen should study his footwork. But credit to SA, they outplayed Aussies in all departments. That last partnership between Markram-Bavuma was clinical!
S
Sunita R.
What's this "green whistle" Cummins mentioned? Some new painkiller? 😄 Anyway, hope Smith recovers well. As much as I enjoy watching Aussies lose (after all those years of dominating us!), injuries are never good for cricket. Looking forward to India's next WTC cycle!
V
Vikram J.
Australia's batting looks fragile without Smith. Shows how dependent they've become on him and Labuschagne. Meanwhile, SA proving they're dark horses in ICC events! But honestly, the scheduling is ridiculous - WTC final right before another Test series? Players need proper rest.

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Tags:
Steve Smith injury Pat Cummins Australia cricket West Indies Test series WTC Final