Smith Poised for Grenada Test Return, Boosting Aussie Batting Lineup

Smith Set to Bolster Australia for Grenada Test

Steve Smith, the veteran Australian batter, is likely to join the squad in Grenada, potentially providing a significant boost to the team for the second Test against the West Indies. Australia secured a swift victory in the first Test in Barbados within three days.

Steve Smith missed the first Test due to a finger dislocation sustained during the WTC final. © Getty

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice following the finger dislocation he suffered during the World Test Championship Final. After the final, Smith traveled to his home in New York to continue his rehabilitation, resulting in his absence from the first Test.

Cummins stated, "He's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball. I think his wound is looking good, so the next stage is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets. So we'll know more over the next few days."

The Australian top order struggled in the first Test, particularly with Marnus Labuschagne being dropped. They were reduced to 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. Despite these batting order challenges, Cummins expressed confidence in the team's young batters.

Cummins acknowledged the challenging nature of the wicket in the first Test. "You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game," he said. "Of course, the top order would like to score some more runs. The challenge of Test cricket, especially for young players, is when you get thrown different conditions, you've got to find a way to be effective. That's the challenge for our young batting group."

The second Test match, a historic event as the first-ever Test in Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3.