Smith Aims 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, having utilized an unconventional training method during his recovery from a dislocated finger.

Steven Smith sidelined for the first Test match. © Getty

The Australian batsman employed a baseball batting cage in New York to accelerate his rehabilitation. The cage provided an environment where he could gradually increase the intensity of his training, starting with tennis balls and soft balls before progressing to cricket balls. The heat within the cage mimicked the conditions expected in the Caribbean, allowing him to test his hand in a similar climate.

"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 a compound dislocation of his right little finger during the World Test Championship final against South Africa. This injury forced him to miss the first Test match in Barbados, during which he spent time recovering at his New York apartment.

Now, the 36-year-old reports that his finger feels well, and he anticipates participating fully in training sessions 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 acknowledged that he found the downtime in Barbados 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."

To secure his place in the second Test, Smith must demonstrate his fitness during training on Tuesday. Furthermore, he is preparing for potential adjustments to his 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."