Smith Eyes Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff

Steve Smith, the experienced Australian batter, is in contention to participate in the second Test match against the West Indies in Grenada. This follows Australia's dominant victory in the first Test in Barbados within three days.

Steve Smith missed the opening Test after dislocating a finger during the WTC final © Getty

Smith's availability would be a significant boost for the Australian side. He is expected to join the squad by Sunday.

Injury Update and Recovery

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice. This comes after he dislocated his finger during the World Test Championship Final. Following the final, Smith traveled to New York to continue his rehabilitation, which resulted in him missing the first Test.

Cummins elaborated on Smith's recovery: "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."

Australia's Batting Order

Despite their victory, Australia's top order struggled in the first Test without Smith, particularly after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped. In the first innings, they were reduced to 22/3, and in the second innings, they were 65/4. Cummins expressed confidence in his younger batters.

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