Steve Smith's Swift Recovery: A Baseball Twist to Cricket Return

Australian batting sensation Steve Smith has made a rapid recovery from a 'compound dislocation' of his right little finger, with an unexpected training stint in New York's baseball cages aiding his return to cricket action.

Smith sustained the injury during an attempt to catch South African captain Temba Bavuma at first slip during the World Test Championship final at Lord's. He quickly left London for New York, where he used a baseball facility, hitting soft balls to regain form, before graduating to hard cricket balls.

Smith's innovative training regimen impressed the Australian medical staff, leading to his stitches being removed and preparations for his return in the second Test against the West Indies. Meanwhile, Smith expressed confidence in new Australian team players like Sam Konstas, urging patience and support for their international futures.

(With inputs from agencies.)