Smith Eyes Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff

Smith Set to Return for Grenada Test

After securing a dominant victory in the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, Australia could receive another boost with the potential return of Steve Smith for the second Test in Grenada.

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

Australian captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice after dislocating his finger during the World Test Championship Final against India. Smith traveled to New York following the final to undergo rehabilitation, resulting in his absence from the first Test.

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 and Marnus Labuschagne’s axing led to struggles for Australia’s top order in the first Test, despite their eventual 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 batting talent.

"You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game," Cummins acknowledged. "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 match, a historic first for Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3rd.