Australian skipper Pat Cummins revealed that Steve Smith is already back to batting practice in New York and could be available for the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada. Smith was out of action from the Australian Test team after picking up a finger injury during the recently concluded World Test Championship final at Lord’s. The batter had picked up a compound dislocation to his right little finger while trying to take a catch at the slips.
He had flown to New York to continue his rehabilitation. Cummin revealed that if Smith was able to clear the fitness tests, he would slot right back into the side for the next Test against the West Indies at Grenada’s National Stadium on July 3.
“He’s had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball,” Cummins mentioned following Australia’s win in the opening Test at Bridgetown.
“I think his wound is looking good, so the next stage is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets,” he added.
His return to the side will be a big boost, considering that the Australian batting unit missed his consistency in the middle-order. Despite being able to win the first Test, they were put through the wringer by the pace of Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, who ran riot in both innings.
