Steve Smith Eyes Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff

Following their decisive victory in the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, Australia could receive a further boost with Steve Smith potentially joining the squad for the second Test in Grenada.

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

Australian captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice after dislocating his finger during the World Test Championship Final against India. Smith had traveled back to his home in New York to continue his rehabilitation, resulting in him missing the first Test match.

"He's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball," Cummins stated after his side secured a 1-0 lead in the series. "His wound is looking good, so the next step is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets. We'll have a clearer picture over the next few days."

Despite securing a win, Australia's top order struggled in the first Test without Smith, particularly after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped. They were precariously placed at 22/3 in the first innings and slumped to 65/4 in the second. Cummins, however, expressed his confidence in the team's young batting talent.

Cummins acknowledged the challenging nature of the wicket in the first Test, noting the scarcity of substantial partnerships. "The top order would like to score more runs," he admitted. "The challenge of Test cricket, especially for young players, is when you're faced with different conditions, you have to adapt and be effective. That's the challenge for our young batting group."

The second Test, a historic first for Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3rd. All eyes will be on whether Steve Smith will be fit to take his place in the Australian batting lineup.