Australia’s seasoned batter Steve Smith is poised to return to the playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada, after recovering from a finger injury that sidelined him for the series opener. Smith, who sustained the injury during the ICC World Test Championship Final, has had his stitches removed and is expected to undergo full practice sessions starting Tuesday.
Having rejoined the squad in the Caribbean on Sunday, the 36-year-old is likely to reclaim his No.4 spot when the Test begins on Thursday. While he will continue wearing a thinner splint to protect his healing finger, Smith indicated that the injury should not hinder his batting performance. However, due to fielding limitations, he will not resume his regular position in the slips and may be stationed at mid-on, mid-off, or fine leg.
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“For me, it’ll just feel like training as normal,” Smith told the ICC. “I don’t really feel any pain… I’ve got a lot of movement there now, so that feels good. Hitting the ball felt completely fine.”
Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a 159-run victory in Barbados, but the win was overshadowed by underwhelming performances from some of the top-order batters. Reserve batter Josh Inglis, who filled in for Smith, is likely to make way after contributing scores of 5 and 12 in his two innings.
Teen opener Sam Konstas and No.3 Cameron Green also struggled against a disciplined West Indies pace attack on the challenging Kensington Oval surface. Despite their modest returns, Smith remains confident in their potential and urged patience with the young players.
“These guys are good players,” Smith said. “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.”
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