Smith Targets Second Test Return After Baseball Cage Recovery in New York

Smith Aims for Second Test Return After Unique Training Regimen

Steven Smith is eyeing a return to the Australian lineup for the second Test against the West Indies, following an unconventional preparation in New York. The star batsman utilized a baseball batting cage to accelerate his recovery from a dislocated finger.

Smith sidelined for the first Test. © Getty

The baseball cage, offering heat similar to Caribbean conditions, provided the ideal environment for Smith to test his injured hand. He gradually progressed from hitting tennis balls to soft balls, and finally, cricket balls.

"Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage," Smith revealed. "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 Smith suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger. The injury, requiring heavy bandaging and restricting movement, forced him to miss the first Test in Barbados. He spent his recovery time in his New York apartment.

Now 36, Smith reports that his finger feels recovered and anticipates a full training session 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 explained. "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 the downtime in Barbados was challenging. "I was honestly just bored here," he admitted. "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."

While he needs to demonstrate his fitness at training on Tuesday to secure his spot, Smith is already mentally preparing for potential 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."