Steve Smith injury: Aus batter faces up to 8 weeks out, WI series unlikely

Australia have been dealt a significant injury blow, with veteran batter Steve Smith suffering a compound dislocation to his right little finger during the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s. The injury, sustained while attempting a sharp slip catch offered by South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma on Day 3, has ruled Smith out of the remainder of the match and cast doubt over his availability for the upcoming Test series in the West Indies.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Smith was immediately taken to hospital, where the wound was cleaned, stitched, and placed in a splint. Fortunately, he has avoided surgery, but faces up to eight weeks in a splint, with the injury requiring at least two weeks to heal before further assessment.

"It’s lucky it didn’t hit him in the head," said teammate Beau Webster, underlining the dangerous proximity from which Smith was fielding.Australia's first Test in the Caribbean begins on June 25 in Barbados, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. Smith’s injury could not have come at a more inconvenient time for Australia, who are already grappling with inconsistent top-order form.

Smith was also slated for a brief MLC stint with Washington Freedom, which now appears unlikely.In the absence of a fully fit Smith, Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis could be in line for a recall, depending on team management's call closer to the series.