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"Don't Feel Any Pain": Steve Smith Drops Hint On His Availability For 2nd Test vs West Indies

Abhinav Tyagi

Steve Smith injury - (Source: @Johns/X.com)Steve Smith injury - (Source: @Johns/X.com)

After a shambolic defeat for the West Indies in the first Test, the caravan now moves to St. George’s, where Australia will look to clinch the series and extend their lead at the top of the WTC standings. The two teams will square off for the second time in this series on July 3.

Ahead of the crucial match, the visitors have received a major boost as their star batter, Steve Smith, has recovered from injury. The right-handed batter, speaking with ESPNcricinfo, revealed that he is pain-free and ready to play in the second Test.

“For me, it'll just feel like training as normal, I think. I don't really feel any pain or anything. (It's) just getting used to the splint and the slight limited movement. It's not too bad, I've got a lot of movement there now, so that feels good. Hitting the ball felt completely fine,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

What Happened to Steve Smith?

Smith suffered an injury during the 2025 WTC final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s. The 36-year-old was fielding in the slips when Temba Bavuma edged one straight at him. Smith reacted slowly and hurt his finger.

He was in immense pain and had to be taken off the field and straight to the hospital for scans. The reports revealed a dislocation but no fracture, ruling him out of the remainder of the final. Fortunately, the Australian star avoided surgery and has made a remarkable recovery, returning to fitness just two weeks after the injury.

Smith Hints at New Fielding Position

Steve Smith confirmed that he feels comfortable while batting in the nets but also revealed that he might not field in the slips for the second Test. As a precautionary measure, he is likely to field in the open.

“Fielding some balls in front of the wicket will probably be the strangest thing for me, I don't think I've ever done that in a Test match. Fielding at either probably mid-on or mid-off or fine leg is a bit different to standing at the second or first slip,” he added.

Smith’s return is crucial for Australia, especially after the WTC runners-up were bowled out for just 180 runs in the first innings—their lowest-ever Test total in the West Indies in the last 30 years.