Smith's Return Looms: Boost for Australia Ahead of Grenada Test Against West Indies

Following their victory in the opening Test in Barbados, Australia may receive a further boost with Steve Smith expected to join the squad by Sunday for the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada.

Steve Smith sidelined for the first Test due to finger injury © Getty

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice after recovering from a dislocated finger sustained during the World Test Championship Final. Smith returned to New York after the final to continue his rehabilitation, resulting in his absence from the first Test.

Cummins stated, "He's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball. I think his wound is looking good, so the next stage is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets. So we'll know more over the next few days."

The potential return of Smith could address concerns about Australia's top-order batting. With Marnus Labuschagne dropped, the top four struggled in the first Test, despite the team's eventual win. They were reduced to 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. However, Cummins emphasized the team's support for their young batters.

"You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game," Cummins said. "Of course, the top order would like to score some more runs. The challenge of Test cricket, especially for young players, is when you get thrown different conditions, you've got to find a way to be effective. That's the challenge for our young batting group."

The second Test match, marking the first ever Test held in Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3.