Australia’s Test vice-captain Steve Smith is on track to feature in the second Test of the ongoing series against the West Indies in Grenada. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice after dislocating his finger during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
After the final, Smith returned to his home in New York to continue rehabilitation. Cummins revealed that Smith had begun light training, picking up a bat several times to get accustomed to the protective split he must wear on his right little finger for eight weeks due to the compound dislocation.
If declared fit, Smith is expected to return at number four, likely replacing either Cameron Green—who has scored just 3, 15, 4, and 0 in recent outings—or Josh Inglis, who was dismissed for 5 and 12 in the Barbados Test.
“He’s had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an Incredi-ball,” Cummins said after Australia’s win in the first Test. “I think his wound is looking good, so the next stage is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets. We’ll know more in the next few days.”
Australia’s batting struggled in the first innings of the opening Test without Smith, though a much-improved second innings saw three batters notch half-centuries, setting up a solid total and a win.
Now looking to seal the three-match series in Grenada, Australia will benefit from Smith’s return—his experience in Caribbean conditions could prove vital.
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