Smith Targets Second Test Return After Innovative New York Rehab

Steven Smith is eyeing a return to the Australian lineup for the second Test against the West Indies, having utilized an unconventional training method to accelerate his recovery from a dislocated finger.

Steven Smith sidelined for the first Test. © Getty

The Australian batsman employed a baseball batting cage in New York to simulate the warm Caribbean conditions, hitting tennis balls, soft balls, and cricket balls to test his injured hand. This innovative approach has significantly aided his rehabilitation.

"Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage," Smith told reporters. "It was ideal because it was pretty warm, like 36 degrees Celsius, so it was good to be in the shade. My mate actually told me about it and he was able to throw me a few balls there."

Smith sustained the injury during the World Test Championship final against South Africa, suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger. Consequently, he was forced to sit out the first Test in Barbados while he recuperated in his New York apartment.

Now 36, Smith reports that his finger is recovering well and anticipates participating fully in training in Grenada.

"Everything felt good... I just got my stitches out and I've got a smaller splint on now, so it'll be easier getting my hand in the glove," Smith explained. "I don't really feel any pain or anything. [It's] just getting used to the splint on and the slight limited movement. It's not too bad, I've got a lot of movement there now, so that feels good. Hitting the ball felt completely fine."

The downtime in Barbados proved challenging for Smith. "I was honestly just bored here," he said. "I couldn't do anything, I couldn't sweat, and I was sort of stuck in the room doing nothing. I've got the apartment four-and-a-half hours away. Dani was back there, the dogs were there... so I went back to sit in the air conditioning and watch the boys play."

To secure his place in the second Test, Smith must demonstrate his fitness during Tuesday's training session. He is also preparing for potential changes in his fielding position.

"Fielding some balls in front of the wicket will probably be the strangest thing for me. I don't think I've ever done that in a Test match. Fielding at either mid-on, mid-off or fine leg, a bit different to standing at second or first slip."