WI vs AUS: Steve Smith in line to return to Australia playing 11 for second test

Steve Smith missed the first WI vs AUS test after suffering a finger injury during ICC WTC 2023-25 final.

Australia carried on their dominating record over the Carribbean side and thrashed them by a massive margin of 159 runs in the first test at Kensington Oval. It gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match test series and gave them their first points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

They will be highly confident moving onto the second test after a clinical victory. However, ahead of the second test, the visitors are likely to be boosted with the return of their ace batter, Steve Smith.

The second test is scheduled to be played between July 3 and 7, at the National Cricket Stadium, St. Georges, Grenada. Australia will look to wrap up the series win in the next game. And with the possible return of Steve Smith, the visitors will strengthen their batting more.

Steve Smith starts batting practice ahead of the second WI vs AUS test in Grenada

Notably, Steve Smith missed the first WI vs AUS test due to a dislocated finger, which he suffered during the final of ICC WTC 2023-25 against South Africa at the Lord’s. The 36-year-old was in New York for his rehab.

As reported by Cricbuzz, Smith will join the squad by June 29 (Sunday). The Australian test captain Pat Cummins indicated Smith’s return for the second test. After winning the first game, Cummins confirmed that the 36-year-old has started batting practice in New York.

The captain said, “He’s had a few hits over in New York with a tennis 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.”

Australia felt Smith’s absence as their top four had a horrible time in the first test. With Marnus Labuschagne already being dropped, Smith’s return can bolster the Australian top order.

The visitors were at 22/3 in the first innings, while they lost their first four wickets for just 65 runs in the second. The pitch was pretty difficult to bat on and Cummins also shed light on it. However, the Australian captain was keen to give another chance to the youngsters for the second test.

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