Follow UsAustralia and Steve Smith feared the worst when the Kangaroos’ talisman suffered a compound dislocation of his finger in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, attempting a catch at second slip, but the wait is set to be over as the 36-year-old is primed to make his return in the second Test against West Indies in Grenada.
And Smith, in typical idiosyncratic fashion, took the most absurd of routes to prove his fitness, hitting balls in a baseball cage in New York City, where he owns an apartment.
"Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage," Smith told reporters on Sunday.
"It was ideal because it was pretty warm, like 36C … 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.
"I had a couple of bats last week with some tennis balls and incredi-balls the first day and then some cricket balls the next day. Everything felt good; it was with a slightly bigger splint than this one as well, so it was probably a little bit trickier getting my hand in the glove.
"But 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 had initially traveled to the Caribbean despite the injury, but then chose to go to New York City and spend time with his family instead. But having now proven his batting fitness, he has rejoined the squad ahead of the second Test which starts from July 3 (Thursday).
"I was honestly just bored here [in the Caribbean]," Smith 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 (his wife) was back there, the dogs were there, so (I went back) to sit in the air conditioning and watch the boys play.”
Smith will be able to bat normally, but he will have to make do with a new role on the field. Since his finger will have to be protected, the 36-year-old will not field at his usual second slip position and will instead be stationed somewhere in front of the wicket.
“Fielding some balls in front of the wicket, which will probably be the strangest thing for me – I don't think I've ever done that in a Test match,” Smith said.
"Fielding at either mid-on, mid-off or fine leg, a bit different to standing at second or first slip, so I think that's probably going to be the biggest difference."
Should everything go according to plan, Smith will slot back into the No.4 position, taking the place of Josh Inglis in the starting XI.