Steve Smith Likely to Return for Second Test Against West Indies, Confirms Head Coach

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has indicated that veteran batter Steve Smith is expected to be fit and available for selection in the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada. Smith, who sustained a compound finger fracture during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, is making steady progress in his recovery.

The 35-year-old has been undergoing rehabilitation over the past week, including light training sessions and batting practice to test the functionality of the injured finger. According to McDonald, Smith’s return to the playing XI appears highly probable, with the final assessment to be made during a key training session two days before the match.

“It’s really about functionality around the finger rather than anything else,” McDonald said. “There will be no risk to the long-term health of that finger. He’ll return, and I think it’s likely he’ll play.”

Smith’s comeback would see him resume his role at No. 4 in the batting order, a position McDonald believes is central to Australia’s Test strategy. While Smith has previously performed well at No. 3, the team management remains firm on his current role.

“We’ve settled on him at No. 4,” McDonald explained. “We could slide him up if needed—he’s been excellent at No. 3—but his ability to stabilise the innings when we’re two down is unmatched. He’s arguably our greatest batter, and we want to build around him rather than disrupt the balance of the order.”

Smith sustained the injury while attempting a catch offered by South African captain Temba Bavuma on the third day of the WTC final. Despite the setback, Australia opted not to rush his return for the first Test against the West Indies.

With Smith set to return, Josh Inglis is likely to make way in the lineup. The team is also considering the future of Marnus Labuschagne, who was left out of the first Test for the first time since his Test debut in 2019. He may now be released to gain match practice with either Glamorgan in county cricket or Australia A’s upcoming series against Sri Lanka A.