Smith Targets Second Test Return After Unique Baseball Cage Training to Rehab Finger Injury

Steven Smith is eyeing a return to the Australian lineup for the second Test against the West Indies, following an unconventional preparation in New York. The star batsman utilized a baseball batting cage to accelerate his recovery from a dislocated finger.

Smith sidelined for the first Test. © Getty

The baseball cage, located under a bridge, provided Smith with an environment mirroring the Caribbean heat. He gradually progressed from hitting tennis balls to soft balls and finally cricket balls, effectively testing his injured hand.

"Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage," Smith told reporters. "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 sustained the injury, a compound dislocation of his right little finger, during the World Test Championship final against South Africa. The injury forced him to miss the first Test in Barbados, where he spent his time recuperating in his New York apartment.

Now 36, Smith reports that his finger feels significantly improved and anticipates participating fully in training 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."

The downtime in Barbados proved challenging for Smith. "I was honestly just bored here," he admitted. "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 secure his place in the second Test, Smith must demonstrate his fitness during training on Tuesday. He is also preparing for potentially unfamiliar fielding positions.

"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."