Will Steve Smith Make a Comeback for the Second Test?

Barbados, June 30 (NationPress) Australia batsman Steve Smith is optimistic about his recovery and is aiming to make a comeback from injury in the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada. This follows his visit to a baseball field for his initial practice since sustaining the injury during the World Test Championship final.

Smith experienced a compound dislocation of his right little finger while attempting a catch at Lord's during the World Test Championship final. At 36 years old, he was fortunate to avoid surgery.

The seasoned batsman, who missed the first Test of the current three-match series against the Caribbean team due to his finger injury, recently had his stitches removed and rejoined his teammates in the Caribbean on Sunday. He is slated to participate in full practice on Tuesday, aiming to return to the squad that triumphed in the opening Test against the West Indies by 159 runs.

“Underneath this bridge, there was a batting cage. It was perfect because it was quite warm, around 36°C, allowing me to stay in the shade. A friend of mine informed me about it, and he was able to throw me a few balls there,” Smith shared with reporters after reuniting with the Test squad in Barbados, as reported by cricket.com.au.

“I practiced with some tennis balls and incredi-balls on the first day, then moved on to cricket balls the following day. Everything felt great; I was using a slightly larger splint than usual, making it a tad more challenging to fit my hand into the glove. Now that my stitches are out and I have a smaller splint, it’s easier getting my hand in the glove.

The Test squad is set to arrive in Grenada later on Monday, where Smith must demonstrate his fitness during Tuesday's training session. However, coach Andrew McDonald already views him as a potential selection for Thursday’s second Test.

“I don’t really feel any pain or discomfort. It’s just about getting used to the splint and the slight restriction in movement. It’s pretty manageable; I have a lot of movement now, which feels promising. Hitting the ball was completely fine,” he stated.

“Fielding some balls in front of the wicket will likely be the most unusual aspect for me, as I don’t recall doing that in a Test match. Fielding at positions such as mid-on, mid-off, or fine leg differs from standing at first or second slip,” he added.

McDonald mentioned that if Smith is cleared for the second Test, there would be no risk of long-term damage if he gets hit on the finger again while batting or fielding.

“It’s primarily about the functionality of the finger, rather than anything else. There will be no long-term health risks for that finger. As we approach the next match, he will have the main training session two days prior and will practice the day before, so if all goes well, I expect Steve to return to the number four position,” McDonald confirmed.