Steve Smith Set for Possible Return in Grenada Test After Injury Layoff

Steve Smith Poised for Potential Return in Grenada Test

Following Australia's dominant victory in the first Test in Barbados, the team could receive another significant boost with Steve Smith potentially returning for the second Test in Grenada. The veteran batsman is expected to join the squad by Sunday.

Steve Smith sidelined from first Test after finger dislocation © 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 caused him to miss 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."

Despite securing a win, Australia's top order struggled in Smith's absence in the first Test, particularly with Marnus Labuschagne being dropped. In the first innings, they were precariously placed at 22/3, and in the second innings, the top four were all dismissed with only 65 runs on the board.

Cummins, however, expressed confidence in his young batsmen, stating that the team management would continue to support them.

Cummins acknowledged the challenging conditions of the wicket, noting, "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 event as the first-ever Test to be held in Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3rd.