Smith Aims for Second Test Return After Unique Baseball Cage Training in NYC

Steven Smith is eyeing a return to the Australian lineup for the second Test against the West Indies, having utilized an unconventional training method to accelerate his recovery from a dislocated finger.

Smith missed the opening Test of the series. © Getty

The Australian batsman employed a baseball batting cage in New York to simulate the conditions he would face in the Caribbean. This involved facing tennis balls, soft balls, and finally, cricket balls in a heated environment that mirrored the climate of the West Indies.

"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 sustained the injury, a compound dislocation of his right little finger, during the World Test Championship final against South Africa. This forced him to miss the first Test in Barbados, where he spent his time recuperating in his New York apartment.

The 36-year-old is optimistic about his prospects for the second Test, stating that his finger feels significantly improved and he 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."

Smith confessed that he found the downtime in Barbados challenging. "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 secure his place in the second Test, Smith must demonstrate his fitness during a training session scheduled for Tuesday. He is also preparing for potential changes in his 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."