![Steve Smith walks off the field on Day 3 [Source: x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792501259921_Steve_Smith(1).jpg?type=hq)
Steve Smith walks off the field on Day 3 [Source: x]
Steve Smith suffered a nasty finger injury on Day 3 of Australia’s second away Test of the series against South Africa. The incident occurred during the 98th over of the first South Africa innings at the St George's Park in Gqeberha on October 20.
The injury even forced the legendary Australian batter to walk off the field, leaving Australia without one of its senior members for the moment.
Steve Smith suffers injury blow for Australia
Steve Smith gave Australia a mini-scare on Day 3 of the second Test match. The incident occurred during the 98th over of the first South Africa innings, at a time when the legendary Australian batter was fielding at second slip.
Josh Hazlewood induced an outside edge off South African skipper and well-set centurion Temba Bavuma in the fourth ball of the over. Smith made a dive to his left at second slip but failed to get underneath the dying ball.
Not only did the cricketer failed to hold on to a tough chance, but the ball also scratched his fingertips. The senior pro was visibly spotted in pain, and soon walked off the field. He was later replaced by substitute fielder Michael Neser.
Smith’s injury-marred tour concerning sign for Australia
Notably, this was not the first instance of Steve Smith suffering an injury concern for Australia in their ongoing three-match tour of South Africa.
In the series-opener played at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban earlier this month, the cricketer did not take field on Day 4 owing to a concussion scare. Smith was originally assessed for a concussion after coping a blow on his helmet from a Anrich Nortje bouncer.
The incident occurred during the fifth ball of the 13th over of Australia’s second innings. The blow prompted the senior pro to remain on the sidelines for a major part of the South African innings, with Michael Neser taking his place on the field as a substitute fielder.
As of now, it remains to be seen when Steve Smith can attain full recovery from his finger injury as Australia attempts to regain control over South Africa in the second Test in Gqeberha. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined by Cricket Australia.
