Smith’s exit from the field was a blow for Australia as they tried to bowl out South Africa and claim back-to-back world titles, robbing captain Pat Cummins of a top class catcher and also a source of tactical advice.

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It is also a wider concern given that Smith, 36, has recently returned to something like his best batting form following a few quiet years, with numerous other members of the top six struggling to make the runs required of them.

It’s the second compound dislocation that Australia have had to deal with this year. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann suffered a similar injury to the little finger on his right hand during the Big Bash League, and required emergency surgery to be able to play on the subsequent tour of Sri Lanka.

However, as a specialist spinner with fewer batting responsibilities, Kuhnemann was able to come back and play with remarkable speed. It remains to be seen whether Smith’s batting skills will require a more gradual return.