Australia’s seasoned batter Steve Smith is on course for a return to the national side ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, following an unusual recovery from a finger injury that ruled him out of the previous match.
Smith, who suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, has resumed full training without undergoing surgery—opting instead for a creative rehabilitation process while abroad.
Speaking to reporters, the 35-year-old revealed that his recovery was fast-tracked thanks to sessions at a baseball batting cage in New York. "I started with tennis balls and soft cricket balls. By the second session, I was facing hard balls. I sent footage back to the medical staff in Barbados and they were pleased with the progress," Smith said.
Having had his stitches removed and replaced with a thinner splint to allow for greater mobility, the former captain now feels ready to take the field again. “It feels like normal training for me now. There's no real pain. The splint limits movement slightly, but I’ve got good range back and I’m hitting the ball well,” he added.
While Smith appears confident with the bat, he admitted that fielding may present a fresh challenge due to limited movement in his finger. “Fielding in front of the wicket will probably be the strangest thing. I’ve never done that in a Test. I might be at mid-on, mid-off, or fine leg—definitely different from slip,” he said.
Smith is widely expected to bat at number four if included in the playing XI for the Grenada Test, starting July 3 in St. George’s. Team officials have yet to confirm the final line-up, but sources suggest Smith’s inclusion is highly likely given his progress and match fitness.
Commenting on Australia’s revamped top order, which includes young debutants such as Sam Konstas, Smith expressed his support. “These guys are good players. There’s been a lot of talk, but they just need time and opportunity. It doesn’t always click right away—my first Test hundred came in my 12th match. They’ve got talent and bright futures,” he noted.
Australia currently lead the two-match Test series 1-0, following a comprehensive 159-run win over the West Indies in the first Test. A win in the second Test would give the visitors a clean sweep ahead of a busy home summer.
