Steve Smith Utilises Baseball Cage Training in New York for Swift Recovery Ahead of West Indies Test

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Steve Smith, the Australian cricketer, has made a swift recovery from a compound dislocation in his right little finger. His unexpected return for the second Test against the West Indies has a unique baseball connection.

Smith injured his finger while attempting a catch during the World Test Championship final at Lord's earlier this month.

After sustaining the injury, Smith promptly left London once his wound was cleaned and stitched, with his finger placed in a splint. Instead of waiting for natural healing, he opted to practice in a baseball cage in New York, where he owns an apartment. This decision helped him prepare for his return to cricket sooner than anticipated.

Baseball Cage Practice

In New York, Smith began by facing tennis balls and other soft balls before progressing to cricket balls. "My mate actually told me about it, which was ideal because it was pretty warm there in New York," Smith mentioned to ESPNcricinfo. He practiced under a bridge where there was a batting cage, allowing him to train in the shade.

A baseball cage is similar to cricket nets, providing a safe space for batters to practice without stray balls leaving the area. Smith sent footage of his batting practice to the Australian medical team in the Caribbean, who were pleased with his progress.

Return to Cricket

Smith missed the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados from June 25 to 27, which Australia won by 159 runs. However, he is set to return for the second Test at St George's on July 3. His stitches were removed on Sunday, and he now wears a thinner splint as he prepares for his comeback.

"For me, it'll just feel like training as normal," Smith stated. "I don't really feel any pain or anything. I'm just getting used to the splint on and the slight limited movement." He added that hitting the ball felt fine and that he had regained significant movement in his finger.

Adapting Fielding Positions

Smith anticipates some adjustments in fielding positions due to his injury. "Fielding some balls in front of the wicket will probably be the strangest thing for me," he said. "I don't think I've ever done that in a Test match." He expects to field at mid-on or mid-off instead of his usual slip positions.

Meanwhile, Smith expressed confidence in Australia's new players, including opener Sam Konstas. "These guys are good players," he said. "There's been a lot of talk around it but... we just need to give them an opportunity." He believes they have promising futures and need time to adapt to international cricket conditions.

With inputs from PTI