Australia`s Steve Smith is confident about recovering in time to make his return for the second Test match against the West Indies, according to the official website of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“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 on and the slight limited movement,” Smith told ICC.
Smith had earlier sustained a finger injury during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. He recently had his stitches removed and is looking all ready to roar for Australia in whites at number four.
The veteran joined his teammates in the Caribbean on Sunday and is expected to take part in full practice on Tuesday in an attempt to return to the side that won the opening Test against the West Indies by 159 runs.
Further speaking about his injury, the right-hander said that it`s not bad and it was all fine when he faced a few deliveries.
“It`s not too bad, I`ve got a lot of movement there now, so that feels good. Hitting the ball felt completely fine,” said the 36-year-old. He further said that fielding at slips is different from fielding at some of the other positions. “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.
With Smith coming in the playing XI, Josh Inglis would possibly be the batsman to make way for him in the team as he has managed scores of just five and 12 runs during the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados. Along with him, Sam Konstas and Cameron Green also failed to deliver performances in the same test.
Despite poor outings, Smith backed these players by saying, “These guys are good players, there`s been a lot of talk around it but…we just need to give them an opportunity”.
“It doesn`t always come around straight away. We`ve just got to give them an opportunity and let them get used to playing in these conditions and in international cricket. These guys have some really good talent and I think they have bright futures,” concluded Smith.
(With ANI Inputs)
