Follow UsAustralia’s ace batter Steve Smith remains a big doubt for the first Test against West Indies, which starts on June 25 (Wednesday), having had a compound dislocation in his finger. While the injury seemed like it would rule him out of the three-match Test series, cricket.com.au has reported that Smith isn’t entirely ruled out of the series.
"I'd say first Test maybe unlikely, and then go from there, but it's bit early just to tell," Australia captain Pat Cummins said after the shock World Test Championship final loss against South Africa on Saturday.
Smith, who was fielding at slips, endured a blow when he dropped Temba Bavuma, and in the process dislocated his finger. The 36-year-old rushed to the hospital after the day’s play, with his finger placed in a splint.
“The wound should heal in two weeks, and he will be able to play if he can tolerate wearing a splint while batting,” cricket.com.au reported.
“Smith will be required to keep his finger in a splint for up to eight weeks,” it added.
While Smith’s injury might be a blessing in disguise for Marnus Labuschagne, who is woefully out of form, it also gives Sam Konstas a look-in Australia’s playing XI.