Steve Smith Eyes Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff

Steve Smith, the experienced Australian batter, is poised to rejoin the squad for the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada, potentially providing a significant boost to the team after their victory in the first Test in Barbados.

Australia secured a win within three days in the opening Test, and Smith's return could further strengthen their position.

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. Following the final, Smith traveled to New York to continue his rehabilitation, which led to him missing 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 their win, Australia's top order struggled in the first Test without Smith, particularly after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped. They were reduced to 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. Cummins, however, expressed confidence in the team's young batters.

"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.