Smith Expected to Return for Second Test in Grenada

The second Test between Australia and the West Indies is scheduled to commence on July 3 in Grenada.

Veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith is likely to rejoin the national team for the second Test against the West Indies, which begins on July 3. He has been recovering from a finger injury that kept him out of the first match.

Following Australia’s dominant three-day victory in the opening Test, Smith has been participating fully in training and practice and has rejoined the squad in Barbados.

Reports suggest that there is a strong possibility of him being included in the starting XI for the upcoming match in Grenada, where he is expected to bat at the number four position.

During the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s, Smith suffered a compound dislocation to his finger while fielding.

He has been training in New York over the past week, using a tennis ball and a soft ‘incredi-ball’ before rejoining the squad.

Under medical supervision, he has been adhering to fitness protocols, and the upcoming training session in Grenada will serve as the definitive assessment of his preparedness.

Head coach Andrew McDonald has voiced his optimism about Smith’s return.

McDonald stated, “It really came down to the functionality of the finger. There posed no risk to long-term health. He trained well and looked likely to play.”

If Smith returns, Josh Inglis will likely be excluded from the XI. Selectors are considering maintaining consistency in the batting order by keeping Smith at number four.

“We preferred building around Smith at four. He has provided stability in that position over the last 12 months. Too many changes could disrupt the flow,” McDonald observed.

Notably, Australia won the first Test of the series against the West Indies by a commanding 159 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.