Smith Targets Test Return After Innovative Baseball Cage Rehab in New York

Steven Smith is targeting a return to the Australian lineup for the second Test against the West Indies, following an unconventional rehabilitation stint in New York.

Smith sidelined for the first Test. © Getty

The Australian batsman utilized a baseball batting cage in New York to accelerate his recovery from a dislocated finger. This unique approach involved facing tennis balls, soft balls, and eventually cricket balls in a setting that mimicked the Caribbean heat, allowing him to test his hand's readiness.

"Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage," Smith told reporters. "It was ideal because it was pretty warm, like 36 degrees Celsius, so it was good to be in the shade. My mate actually told me about it and he was able to throw me a few balls there."

Smith sustained the injury, a compound dislocation of his right little finger, during the World Test Championship final against South Africa. The injury forced him to miss the first Test in Barbados, where he spent time recovering in his New York apartment with his finger heavily bandaged.

The 36-year-old expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that his finger feels good and he anticipates participating fully in training in Grenada.

"Everything felt good... I just got my stitches out and I've got a smaller splint on now, so it'll be easier getting my hand in the glove," Smith said. "I don't really feel any pain or anything. [It's] just getting used to the splint on and the slight limited movement. It's not too bad, I've got a lot of movement there now, so that feels good. Hitting the ball felt completely fine."

Smith confessed that he found his time in Barbados frustrating due to his inability to engage in physical activity. "I was honestly just bored here," he said. "I couldn't do anything, I couldn't sweat, and I was sort of stuck in the room doing nothing. I've got the apartment four-and-a-half hours away. Dani was back there, the dogs were there... so I went back to sit in the air conditioning and watch the boys play."

To secure his spot in the second Test, Smith must demonstrate his fitness during training on Tuesday. He is also preparing for some unfamiliar fielding positions.

"Fielding some balls in front of the wicket will probably be the strangest thing for me. I don't think I've ever done that in a Test match. Fielding at either mid-on, mid-off or fine leg, a bit different to standing at second or first slip."