Steve Smith Poised for Grenada Test Return After Finger Recovery

Following their decisive victory in the opening Test in Barbados, Australia may soon receive another boost with the potential return of Steve Smith. The veteran batsman is expected to join the squad by Sunday, raising hopes for his inclusion in the second Test match.

Steve Smith missed the opening Test after dislocating a finger during the WTC final © Getty

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice after dislocating his finger during the World Test Championship Final. After the final, Smith traveled to his home in New York to continue his rehabilitation, which caused him to miss the first Test against the West Indies.

Cummins commented, "He's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball. I think his wound is looking good, so the next stage is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets. So we'll know more over the next few days."

Despite securing a win, Australia's top order struggled in the first Test without Smith, particularly after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped. In the first innings, they were struggling at 22/3, and in the second, they were all back in the pavilion with only 65 runs on the board. However, Cummins emphasized that the team management would continue to support their young batsmen.

Cummins noted the challenging nature of the wicket, highlighting the scarcity of substantial partnerships throughout the game. He acknowledged the top order's desire for higher scores, adding that Test cricket presents a unique challenge, especially for young players who must adapt to varying conditions to be effective.

The second Test match, a historic event as the first ever Test to be held in Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3.