Steve Smith Eyes Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff

Australia's dominant performance in the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados could receive a further boost with Steve Smith potentially joining the squad for the second Test in Grenada.

Steve Smith sidelined after finger injury during 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. Following the final, Smith traveled to New York to continue his rehabilitation, causing him to miss the first Test match.

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."

Despite securing victory in the first Test, the Australian top order struggled in Smith's absence, particularly with Marnus Labuschagne out of the team. In the first innings, they were reduced to 22/3, and in the second innings, all four top-order batsmen were dismissed with only 65 runs on the board. Nevertheless, Cummins emphasized that the team management remains confident in their young batsmen.

"You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game," Cummins said. "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 3.