Steve Smith Poised for Grenada Test Return After Injury Layoff OR Aussie Boost? Steve Smith Eyes Grenada Test Comeback After Finger Injury

Australia's dominant performance in the first Test against the West Indies may soon receive an additional boost. Veteran batsman Steve Smith is expected to rejoin the squad by Sunday, potentially featuring in the second Test in Grenada.

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

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, confirmed that Smith has resumed practicing after recovering from a dislocated finger sustained during the World Test Championship Final. Following the final, Smith traveled to New York for rehabilitation, causing him to miss the first Test match.

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."

Despite securing victory in the first Test, Australia's top order struggled without Smith, particularly after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped. In the first innings, they were quickly reduced to 22/3, and in the second, the top four batsmen were all dismissed with only 65 runs on the board. Cummins, however, emphasized that the team management is committed to supporting their young players.

Cummins added, "You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game. 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, a historic first for Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3.