Steve Smith Poised for Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff

Steve Smith Gears Up for Potential Return in Grenada Test

Following their decisive victory in the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, Australia may receive another boost with the potential return of Steve Smith. The veteran batsman is expected to join the squad by Sunday, raising hopes for his participation in the second Test.

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 recovering from a dislocated finger sustained during the World Test Championship Final. Smith had traveled to New York for rehabilitation, causing him to miss the first Test match.

"He's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball," Cummins stated following his team's victory. "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 the first Test without Smith, particularly after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped. They were quickly reduced to 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. However, Cummins expressed confidence in the team's younger batsmen.

"You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game," Cummins observed. "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, which marks the first-ever Test to be held in Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3.