Smith Targets Test Return After Baseball Cage Rehab

Steven Smith is eyeing a return to the Australian lineup for the second Test against the West Indies after utilizing an unconventional training method during his recovery.

Smith sidelined for first Test. © Getty

To expedite his recovery from a dislocated finger, Smith made use of a baseball batting cage in New York. The cage provided an ideal environment to test his hand, with the warm temperatures mirroring the conditions in the Caribbean. He faced tennis balls, soft balls, and eventually cricket balls to assess his 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 during the World Test Championship final against South Africa, suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger. The injury forced him to miss the first Test match in Barbados.

The 36-year-old expressed optimism about his recovery and anticipates participating fully in training in Grenada. He noted that his finger feels good and he's getting accustomed to wearing a smaller splint, which will make it easier to fit his hand in his glove. He stated he feels very little pain.

"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 also admitted to struggling with boredom during his downtime in Barbados. He felt restricted and unable to engage in physical activity, leading him to return to his apartment in New York.

To secure his place in the second Test, Smith will need to demonstrate his fitness during training on Tuesday. He is also preparing for potential 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."