Smith Targets 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, thanks to an unconventional recovery strategy involving a baseball batting cage in New York.

Smith sidelined for the first Test. © Getty

The Australian batsman utilized the batting cage to accelerate his rehabilitation from a dislocated finger. By practicing with tennis balls, soft balls, and eventually cricket balls in the heat, he simulated the conditions he would face in the Caribbean.

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

Now, the 36-year-old reports that his finger is recovering well, and he plans to participate 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 said. "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 expressed his frustration with 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."

To secure his place in the second Test, Smith needs to demonstrate his fitness during Tuesday's training session. 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."