Many edges haven’t been carrying to the slips cordon in the match, so Smith was standing closer than usual to the wickets, 14 meters behind Bavuma, and wearing a helmet when Mitchell Starc delivered the 138 kph short ball.
Smith got his hands up but not fast enough to make the shoulder-high catch. He left the field immediately.
He was taken to hospital for more treatment, a team statement said.
It did not say how long he’ll be sidelined, but the injury puts in doubt him going to the Caribbean after the WTC final for the three-test series against the West Indies starting on June 25.
South Africa was chasing 282 runs on day three to win the scheduled five-day final. (AP) DDV
