Smith Poised for Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff

Following their decisive victory in the opening Test in Barbados, Australia may receive a further boost with veteran batsman Steve Smith expected to join the squad this Sunday for the second Test match.

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

Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice after dislocating his finger during the World Test Championship Final. Smith returned to his home in New York to continue his rehabilitation, causing him to miss the first Test against the West Indies.

"He's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball," Cummins stated after his team secured a 1-0 lead in the series. "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."

The potential return of Smith comes after Australia's top order struggled in the first Test. Marnus Labuschagne was dropped, and the remaining top four batsmen faltered despite the team's eventual victory. They were reduced to 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. However, Cummins emphasized that the team management would continue to support their young batsmen.

Cummins acknowledged the challenging batting conditions, stating, "You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game. Of course, the top order would like to score some more runs." He added, "The challenge of Test cricket, especially for young players, is when you get thrown different conditions, you've got to find a way to be effective. That's the challenge for our young batting group."

The second Test match, which marks the first ever Test to be held in Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3.