Smith Targets Second Test Return After Baseball Cage Rehab in New York

Steven Smith is eyeing a return to the Australian lineup for the second Test against the West Indies, having utilized a baseball batting cage in New York to accelerate his recovery from a dislocated finger.

Steven Smith sidelined for the first Test. © Getty

The unconventional training method involved facing tennis balls, soft balls, and eventually cricket balls within the confines of the cage. This allowed Smith to test his hand in conditions mirroring the Caribbean heat.

"Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage," Smith revealed. "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's injury occurred during the World Test Championship final against South Africa, resulting in a compound dislocation of his right little finger. This forced him to miss the first Test in Barbados, spending his recovery time at his New York apartment.

The veteran cricketer, aged 36, expressed optimism about his finger's condition, anticipating a full training session in Grenada.

"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 explained. "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 confessed to experiencing boredom during his downtime in Barbados. "I was honestly just bored here," he said. "I couldn't do anything, I couldn't sweat, and I was sort of stuck in the room doing nothing. I've got the apartment four-and-a-half hours away. Dani was back there, the dogs were there... so I went back to sit in the air conditioning and watch the boys play."

To solidify his return, Smith must demonstrate his fitness during Tuesday's training session. He's also mentally preparing for potential fielding positions that are less familiar to him.

"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."