Steve Smith Eyes Grenada Test Return After Finger Injury

Smith Poised for Potential Return in Grenada Test

Following their dominant victory in the opening Test in Barbados, Australia could receive a further boost with Steve Smith potentially joining the squad for the second Test in Grenada. The veteran batsman is expected to arrive by Sunday.

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 recovering from a dislocated finger sustained during the World Test Championship Final. After the final, Smith traveled to New York to continue his rehabilitation, which led to him missing the first Test match against the West Indies.

Cummins stated, "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."

The absence of Smith, coupled with Marnus Labuschagne being dropped, exposed vulnerabilities in Australia's top order during the first Test, despite their ultimate victory. They were precariously placed at 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. Cummins, however, expressed confidence in the team's young batsmen.

"You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game," Cummins noted. "Of course, the top order would like to score some more runs. 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, a historic first for Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3.