Australia is set to welcome back star batsman Steve Smith for the second Test against the West Indies, starting Thursday at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.
Smith, who missed the first Test due to a finger injury sustained during the ICC World Test Championship Final, appears fit to return to the playing XI, a move that significantly strengthens the already dominant Australian side.
Smith reportedly batted with minimal discomfort during a training session on Tuesday and is expected to slot back into his usual No. 4 position.
His return is seen as a major lift for the world’s top-ranked Test team, which claimed a commanding 159-run win in the series opener.
Team insiders have indicated that adding a player with over 10,000 Test runs brings both confidence and stability to the batting line-up.
Although the existing top order performed well in the first Test, Smith’s presence brings experience and reliability, qualities that could prove crucial as the series continues.
With Smith returning, Josh Inglis is likely to be the only player dropped from the first Test’s playing XI, keeping the rest of the winning combination intact.
From the West Indies’ perspective, Smith’s inclusion adds another layer of difficulty. Their bowling unit managed to challenge the Australians in the opening game, but coaching staff admit that Smith’s return changes the equation.
His proven ability at the crease presents a unique test for the Caribbean pacers, who must now fine-tune their strategies to counter his style.
Despite the loss, the West Indies found some positives in their performance, notably their ability to take 20 Australian wickets. However, their fielding remains a major concern.
Seven dropped catches in the first Test were identified as a key reason behind their defeat. Team management has emphasized the need to improve in this area, recognizing that such lapses are costly when facing the top-ranked side in the world.
As the second Test looms, the spotlight will be on how well Steve Smith reintegrates into the team and how effectively the West Indies respond to his presence, with both sides aiming for a decisive result in this high-stakes World Test Championship encounter.