Steve Smith is back in the Australian Test team after missing the first Test versus the West Indies due to a finger injury. He hurt his finger while fielding during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa. After weeks of recovery, he has now been cleared to play and is set to bat at No. 4 in the second Test against the West Indies, starting July 3 in Grenada.
Smith returned to training recently and looked comfortable while batting in the nets. Captain Pat Cummins said Smith was feeling good and did not face any major issues while practicing. The team management was careful not to rush him, but he passed all the fitness checks before the match.
His comeback is important for Australia with Josh Inglis making way. Steve Smith’s experience and calmness in the middle will help stabilize the batting order that was put under pressure in the previous match on a lot of occasions. Australia are already 1-0 up in the series and will look to seal a clean sweep.
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Also read: "Hitting the Ball Felt Completely Fine": Steve Smith Set for Return in 2nd Test against West Indies
Steve Smith to Field in Safer Positions
Although Smith is fit to bat, the team does not want to take any chances with his finger while fielding. Normally, he stands in the slips, but this time he will be moved to a less risky position. This change is just to avoid putting too much stress on the injured finger.
Cummins confirmed Smith's inclusion in the playing XI. He said that Smith might return to the slips against spin bowlers but not against pace for now. The idea is to give Smith more time to fully heal while still having him on the field.
"He’s ready to go, the finger held up well. He was really happy, particularly batting," Cummins said as quoted on the eve of the match.
"He might not be in the slips too often – maybe for spin he’ll be OK. But you might see him running around a bit more," he added.
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Australia’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs West Indies
Australia have made only one change to their playing XI after winning the last match by 159 runs. Smith replaces Inglis.
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
