Australia Announces Playing XI for Second Test Against West Indies

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Cricket Australia (CA) has revealed its lineup for the second Test against the West Indies, which will be held at the National Cricket Stadium.

The squad sees one alteration, with seasoned batter and former skipper Steve Smith making a comeback from injury.

Meanwhile, the West Indies have chosen to finalize their team selection at the coin toss.

Smith’s Return and West Indies’ Potential Changes

Smith, who was sidelined for the first Test due to a finger injury, has successfully recovered and is taking Josh Inglis’s place in the starting XI.

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, verified the change before the match at the National Cricket Stadium.

Cummins’ Comments on Smith’s Fitness

“He’s fit and ready, and his finger has responded well,” Cummins stated. “He expressed great satisfaction, particularly with his batting performance.”

  • “Fielding might still require some management; therefore, he might not be in the slips frequently – perhaps he’ll be fine for spin, but he may need another week for the quicks.”
  • “So, you might see him moving around more… likely somewhere between mid-off and fine leg. We’ll see if he can handle a few days at fine leg; I anticipate he’ll be eager to get closer to the action soon.”

The 36-year-old engaged in batting practice on Tuesday without any issues while wearing a splint and was cleared to play again. His addition is the only adjustment to the Australian team that achieved a convincing 159-run victory in the first Test.

Regarding the West Indies, they are considering the possibility of adding another pace bowler. Left-arm pacer Anderson Phillip might make his third Test appearance, potentially replacing vice-captain and spinner Jomel Warrican.

Brathwaite Set to Reach Milestone

A confirmed selection for the West Indies is experienced opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who is poised to become the 10th West Indian cricketer to achieve 100 Test appearances.

Since his debut in 2011, Brathwaite has been a reliable figure in the red-ball format.

West Indies captain Roston Chase lauded Brathwaite’s accomplishment, stating, “It’s a remarkable achievement; he’s the third Bajan player to accomplish it, which is incredible in itself.”

  • “The last West Indian player to do it was Chris Gayle in 2014, which speaks volumes about Kraigg.”
  • “He’s a contemporary legend and someone I admire; I’ve played with him since under-11s.”
  • “He stated early in his career that he aimed to play 100 Tests, which is an extraordinary achievement to set such a goal so early and achieve it after many years.”

Australia XI for second Test: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood