Follow UsGood news for Australia, as their star batter Steve Smith is back, and is set to rejoin the rest of the squad in Barbados ahead of the second Test against West Indies, on July 3 (Thursday). Without Smith, Australia suffered a great batting ordeal in Barbados, where they were bowled out for 180 in the first innings of the first Test.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins confirmed the proceedings, adding that Smith has had a few hits over in New York, after which he is set to join the squad.
"He's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball," Cummins said.
"I 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,” he added.
If Smith does return, he will take Josh Inglis’ place, after the right-hander failed to nail down his spot with a lacklustre show, scoring five and 12 in two innings. However, the former Australian skipper will still be required to wear a protective covering for up to eight weeks on the dislocated finger.
Cummins, though, insisted that Australia still have their hopes pinned on the inexperienced core, stating that they will find a way to bounce back from the dismal show in Barbados.
"You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game," Cummins said.
"Of 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.
"That's the challenge for our young batting group – if you presented that same wicket next week, would you do anything differently? Would you not?
"That will be the conversation over the next few days.”