Steve Smith is back in the squad sooner than expected for the second Test against the West Indies and there’s a baseball story behind it.
Smith dislocated his finger trying to catch Temba Bavuma in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
After getting his finger looked at in London, Smith didn’t wait for it to heal on its own. He went to a baseball cage in New York where he has an apartment.
He missed the first Test in Barbados which Australia won.
In New York he hit tennis balls and softballs before moving on to cricket balls.
Smith told ESPNcricinfo a friend told him about the batting cage which was ideal because it was warm in New York. He said it was good to practice in the shade because of the heat.
A baseball cage is like cricket nets. It’s a safe enclosed area where baseball players can practice hitting.
Smith sent videos of his batting to the Australian medical team who were happy with his progress.
He got his stitches removed and now wears a thinner splint as he prepares for the second Test.
Smith said it feels like normal training for him. He doesn’t feel any pain and is getting used to the splint. He said he has a lot of movement in his finger now and hitting the ball feels fine.
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He also said fielding balls in front of the wicket will be new for him in a Test match as he’s used to fielding in the slips.
Smith also backs the new players in the Australian team like Sam Konstas and expects them to do well in the second Test.
Smith said they are good and need to play. He said they need time to get used to playing international cricket and they have a lot of talent and good futures.
