Smith Targets Test Return After Innovative Batting Cage Recovery in New York

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

Smith sidelined for the first Test due to injury. © Getty

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

"Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage," Smith commented. "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, where he suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger. This forced him to miss the first Test in Barbados, spending his recovery time in his New York apartment with his finger heavily bandaged.

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

He also expressed his frustration at being sidelined 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."

Smith still needs to demonstrate his fitness during Tuesday's training to secure his spot in the team. He is also preparing for some 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."