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Australia‘s seasoned campaigner Steve Smith has offered a promising update regarding his availability for the second Test against West Indies, set to begin on July 3 at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. The right-hander missed the series opener due to a finger injury he picked up during the World Test Championship 2023–25 final at Lord’s against South Africa.
Steve Smith shares update on fitness ahead of the Grenada Test
The 36-year-old dislocated his finger while attempting a catch in the slips during the WTC final, leading to immediate medical attention. Fortunately, he avoided surgery but had to sit out of the first Test in Barbados, which Australia comfortably won by 159 runs to go 1–0 up in the three-match series. Speaking about his recovery, Smith sounded upbeat and suggested he’s almost back to full fitness.
“For me, it’ll just feel like training as normal, I think. I don’t really feel any pain or anything. It’s just getting used to the splint 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,” said Smith as quoted by ICC.
No more slips for Smith?
While Smith is confident about returning with the bat, he hinted at a change in his usual fielding position. Known for his sharp reflexes in the slip cordon, the injury might force him to stand elsewhere on the field for now.
“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 probably mid-on or mid-off or fine leg, is a bit different to standing at the second or first slip,” added Smith.
If Smith does return for the Grenada Test, it could be a big positive for Australia, considering his formidable record against the Caribbean side. In just eight Tests against West Indies, the former Aussie skipper has amassed 872 runs at a staggering average of 124.57, including three hundreds and as many half-centuries
