Smith Set for Second Test Return After Unique Baseball Cage Recovery

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

Steven Smith sidelined for the first Test. © Getty

The Australian batsman utilized a baseball batting cage to accelerate his recovery from a dislocated finger. This unique approach involved facing tennis balls, soft balls, and eventually cricket balls in conditions mirroring the Caribbean heat.

Smith explained, "Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage." He added, "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."

The injury occurred during the World Test Championship final against South Africa, where he suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger. This forced him to miss the first Test in Barbados while he recuperated in his New York apartment.

Now 36, Smith reports that his finger feels recovered, anticipating a return to normal 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 stated. "[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."

He confessed that the downtime in Barbados was challenging. "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."

Subject to proving his fitness during Tuesday's training session, Smith is likely to return to the field, potentially in 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."