Steve Smith has been cleared to play in the second Test against West Indies, marking a significant boost to Australia’s top order as they aim to seal a series win in Grenada starting Thursday.Smith missed the first Test in Barbados due to a dislocated finger sustained during last month’s World Test Championship final. He rejoined the squad earlier this week and has now passed all fitness tests, including two solid training sessions and fielding drills, to reclaim his place at No. 4.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“He’s ready to go, the finger held up well,” skipper Pat Cummins confirmed on match eve. “He was really happy, particularly batting.”Josh Inglis, who managed scores of 5 and 12 in the opening Test, is the only player to make way for Smith in the playing XI.
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While Smith’s batting return is a major fillip, his regular fielding duties will be altered. He is expected to avoid the slip cordon for fast bowlers due to the lingering effects of the injury, and may instead patrol mid-off or fine leg, though he could still field close for spin.“He might not be in the slips too often – maybe for spin he’ll be OK,” Cummins added. “But you might see him running around a bit more.”
Smith’s return comes at a venue steeped in uncertainty – Grenada’s National Stadium has hosted just four Tests in 23 years, and never one featuring Australia. Yet Cummins believes Smith’s adaptability is key.“That’s one of his great strengths – he’s scored runs all over the world,” the captain said. “He seems to work out quickly what needs to be done, especially on unfamiliar surfaces.”On the West Indies side, veteran Kraigg Brathwaite will play his 100th Test – only the 10th Caribbean cricketer to reach the milestone.“He’s a modern-day legend,” said captain Roston Chase. “He stated early that he wanted to play 100 Tests, and it’s amazing to see him achieve that.”Australia lead the two-Test series 1-0 after a 159-run win in Barbados, and will be aiming to complete a clean sweep against a home side still uncertain about its bowling combination, with Anderson Phillip and Jomel Warrican vying for the final spot.
Australia XI for second Test vs West Indies
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
