Steve Smith shared an encouraging update about his fitness, saying there isn’t anything hurting from the finger injury he suffered during the World Test Championship 2023-25 final at Lord’s, where Australia succumbed to a defeat against South Africa. The veteran batter also revealed that his recovery has been smooth and he is ready to take part in the second Test.
The injury was sustained when Smith dislodged his finger while attempting a catch in the slips during the final. He had to be taken to the hospital for evaluation but fortunately did not have to undergo surgery. However, that set him back resulted in him being unavailable for the opening Test against the West Indies, which Australia comfortably won by 159 runs and thereby took a 1–0 lead in the series.
Now, ahead of the second game, the 36-year-old has confirmed that he is feeling confident about being readmitted to the playing XI. If Smith returns, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis might be asked to make way, having managed just 5 and 12 in his two innings of the first Test.
Smith’s possible comeback is a huge boost to the Australians, particularly considering his sublime form against the West Indies. Smith has amassed 872 runs with an incredible average of 124.57, this includes three centuries and three half-centuries.
“For me, it’ll just feel like training as normal, I think,” Smith was quoted as saying by ICC.
“I don’t really feel any pain or anything. (It’s) just getting used to the splint on and the slightly 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.”
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Smith is usually known for fielding in the slip cordon. However, he hinted that he might not be present in the slips for the Australian team in the second Test.
“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 probably mid-on or mid-off or fine leg, is a bit different to standing at the second or first slip.”
