Is Smith Ready for His Comeback in the Second Test Against WI?
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Synopsis
As Steven Smith aims for a comeback in the second Test against the West Indies, his first full training session brings hope. Despite progress, his return to slip fielding remains uncertain. Will his experience turn the tide for Australia? Discover the latest updates and insights on this thrilling cricketing saga.
Key Takeaways
- Steven Smith is making strides toward recovery.
- His usual position in the slips is uncertain.
- Smith has met training expectations.
- The West Indies will face a different challenge with his return.
- Fielding improvements are crucial for the West Indies.
St Georges, July 2 (NationPress) Australian veteran batter Steven Smith is making significant progress towards his comeback in the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada. This follows his first complete training session since experiencing a compound dislocation of a finger. However, it appears unlikely that he will be able to resume his usual position in the slips, particularly for fast bowling.
Having missed the series opener, Smith batted for nearly an hour during his initial training session since rejoining the Test squad last Sunday. He is adjusting to wearing a protective splint on his right little finger, which was injured during the World Test Championship final.
During training on Tuesday, he worked on slip catches for slow bowling, engaging in detailed discussions with coach Andrew McDonald and the team physiotherapist. He also practiced receiving catches and ground ball drills to prepare for fielding close to the wicket, which could be a rare sight in Test cricket, according to cricket.com.au.
Australia’s wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, spoke with the media ahead of training, noting that Smith has met all expectations to be ready for his return. “He’s a class player. Anytime you reintegrate 10,000 runs into the lineup, it’s a positive move. We’ll see how it goes. He seems confident and is eager to return. It’s been a tough challenge at the top of the order, but his experience will be valuable for the team, though the current lineup is doing well,” Carey remarked.
Following Smith's injury and Marnus Labuschagne's absence during last week’s 159-run victory in Barbados, Beau Webster stepped into Smith's traditional role at second slip, while recalled batter Josh Inglis took up the third slip position.
With Smith likely set to reclaim his favored No.4 batting position, Inglis is expected to be the sole change to the Australian side that triumphed in the opening Test.
Teenage opener Sam Konstas could also join the slips cordon, as he participated in Tuesday's catching drills alongside Webster, Usman Khawaja at first slip, and wicketkeeper Carey.
The West Indies’ formidable bowling attack created numerous challenges for Australia in the first Test, yet coach Daren Sammy acknowledges that Smith's probable return to the XI will present a different challenge for his premier pacers. “He’s a quality player. Australia remains strong even in his absence due to their system’s depth. However, when we apply pressure as a bowling unit, we can secure wickets. If Smith returns, it will provide us a different challenge,” Sammy stated.
Sammy emphasized the need for improved fielding efforts from his team to compete effectively with Australia. “We hurt ourselves during the first Test. Dropping seven catches against the world’s No.1 team is simply unacceptable. While we share some blame for the defeat, there were positives; for the initial two days, we performed well against the top-ranked team,” he concluded.
Point of View
It’s clear that the return of Steven Smith could significantly impact the Australian team’s dynamics. His experience and skill are invaluable, especially against a competitive West Indies bowling attack. While the team has shown resilience in his absence, welcoming back a player of Smith's caliber could be a game-changer in the upcoming Test.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Steven Smith's injury?
Steven Smith suffered a compound dislocation of his finger during the World Test Championship final.
Will Smith return to the slips?
It is unlikely that Steven Smith will resume his regular position in the slips for fast bowling during the second Test.
Who replaced Smith during his absence?
Beau Webster filled Smith's usual role at second slip, while Josh Inglis took position at third slip.
How did the West Indies perform in the first Test?
The West Indies' strong bowling line-up posed challenges for Australia, contributing to a competitive match.
What is expected of the Australian team with Smith's return?
Smith’s return is anticipated to add experience and strength to the batting order, potentially changing dynamics for the team.
