Steve Smith Provides Positive Update on Fitness Ahead of Second Test
Steve Smith's Recovery Progress
Steve Smith has shared an optimistic update regarding his fitness, stating that he is no longer experiencing pain from the finger injury he sustained during the World Test Championship 2023-25 final at Lord's, where Australia faced defeat against South Africa. The experienced batsman mentioned that his recovery has been progressing well, and he is prepared to participate in the upcoming second Test.
The injury occurred when Smith injured his finger while attempting a catch in the slips during the final. He was taken to the hospital for assessment but fortunately did not require surgery. This setback meant he was unavailable for the first Test against the West Indies, which Australia won comfortably by 159 runs, taking a 1–0 lead in the series.
As the second Test approaches, the 36-year-old has expressed confidence in rejoining the playing XI. Should Smith return, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis may be the one to make way, having scored only 5 and 12 in his two innings during the first Test.
Smith's potential return is a significant advantage for the Australian team, especially given his outstanding performance against the West Indies in the past. He has accumulated 872 runs at an impressive average of 124.57, which includes three centuries and three half-centuries.
Smith commented, "For me, it’ll just feel like training as normal, I think." He added, "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."
Typically known for his slip fielding, Smith indicated that he might not be positioned in the slips for the second Test. He remarked, "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 or mid-off or fine leg is a bit different from standing at the second or first slip."