AUS vs SA, WTC Final: Steve Smith becomes first and only Australian to achieve unwanted feat in loss to South Africa

Steve Smith etched an unusual piece of history at Lord’s on Saturday, becoming the first and only Australian cricketer to feature in two ICC finals defeats.Australia’s loss to South Africa in the 2025 World Test Championship final marked a rare disappointment for the prolific batter, who had previously tasted defeat in the 2010 T20 World Cup final against England in Barbados.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!While Australia have been dominant in global finals — with unmatched success in ODI and T20 World Cups, Champions Trophy, and the 2023 WTC Final — Smith’s career now stands out for being part of both ends of that spectrum.In 2010, a 20-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder, Smith had a limited role in Australia’s campaign as they fell short against a Kevin Pietersen-inspired England side.Fifteen years later, as a senior statesman of the Australian team, Smith was hoping to add another ICC title to his already glittering resume. However, South Africa’s historic victory at Lord’s, ending their 27-year trophy drought, denied him that opportunity, handing Australia only their second defeat in an ICC final in over a decade.It was also a match to forget for Steve Smith who was sent to the hospital on Day 3 after dislocating his finger. Following some on-field attention, Smith was taken off the field and observed at the medical facilities before being taken to the hospital for X-rays and further assessment."Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger while fielding in the slip cordon during the ICC Men's World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's," said a Cricket Australia statement."He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment."