Smith has been sidelined since dislocating his right little finger during the World Test Championship final on June 13. He flew to New York after the injury and has been working on his recovery while Australia wrapped up the first Test inside three days at Kensington Oval. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
He is expected to link up with the squad by Sunday, ahead of the second Test at Grenada\u2019s National Stadium starting July 3.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball,\u201d Australia captain Pat Cummins revealed after his side\u2019s dominant victory. \u201cI think his wound is looking good, so the next stage is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets. So we'll know more over the next few days.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith is still required to bat with a protective split on his finger for up to eight weeks, and Cummins said his return hinges on how well he can handle that. If cleared, Smith will slot straight back into his familiar No. 4 position.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australia\u2019s top order, missing the steadying presence of both Smith and Marnus Labuschagne (who was replaced by teenager Sam Konstas), faltered against the West Indies pace attack. Konstas managed just 3 and 5, Josh Inglis made 5 and 12 at No. 4, and Cameron Green \u2013 in only his second Test batting at No. 3 \u2013 fell cheaply twice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cummins, however, threw his support behind the young batters. \u201cOf course, the top order would like to score some more runs. The challenge of Test cricket, especially for young players, is when you get thrown different conditions, you've got to find a way to be effective,\u201d he said. \u201cThat will be the conversations over the next few days. But we back them in and their prep leading in was excellent. The way they\u2019re talking about playing is really good, so we\u2019ve got full confidence.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australia\u2019s top order, missing the steadying presence of both Smith and Marnus Labuschagne (who was replaced by teenager Sam Konstas), faltered against the West Indies pace attack. Konstas managed just 3 and 5, Josh Inglis made 5 and 12 at No. 4, and Cameron Green \u2013 in only his second Test batting at No. 3 \u2013 fell cheaply twice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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