Steve Smith set to return for 2nd Test vs WI, but will not field in slips

Australia’s No.4 batter Steve Smith is all set to return against the West Indies in the second Test in Grenada after facing bowlers in the net session without any problem. Notably, Smith suffered a compound dislocation of a finger during the WTC Final against South Africa.

Though Smith is all set to make his comeback, he will not be able to field in the slips as he has to wear a split for around six more weeks. Importantly, Smith spent a week at his apartment in New York during the first Test, and he got his stitches removed before rejoining the squad.

After leaving the nets, Smith had a conversation with backroom staff, including Andrew McDonald, chief selector George Bailey, and physio Nick Jones. Alex Carey, who attended the pre-match press conference, stated that Smith’s experience is good for the team.

"He seems pretty confident. He's excited to get back in. It's been tough at the top of the order, so to add a little bit more experience is good for the group,” Alex Carey said at the pre-match press conference.

Furthermore, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy, who also attended the press conference, asserted that the Australian camp is strong even without Smith in the XI. Further, he stated that his bowlers would look to scalp 20 wickets in the Test.

"Australia is still strong [without him] because of the system they have. They keep on producing guys. But we've seen when we add pressure as a bowling group, we did get 20 wickets in the Test and that's the first step towards winning,” Daren Sammy, the WI head coach, said.

It’s important to note that Steve Smith averages an excellent 124.57 against West Indies in the longest format of the game, including an unbeaten 200 in Perth in 2022 and 199 at Sabina Park in 2015.

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