Smith Eyes Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff

Smith Poised for Potential Return in Grenada Test

Steve Smith, the seasoned Australian batter, is likely to rejoin the squad before the second Test match against the West Indies in Grenada. Australia secured a swift victory in the opening Test in Barbados within three days.

Steve Smith missed the opening Test due to a finger injury. © Getty

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice following the finger dislocation he 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.

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 Australia's win, the top order struggled in the first Test, particularly with Marnus Labuschagne out of the team and Smith absent. They were quickly down to 22/3 in the first innings, and in the second, the top four were all out with only 65 runs on the board. However, Cummins emphasized the team management's support for their young batters.

Cummins noted the challenging wicket 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. 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.