Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has announced that Steve Smith will make his return for the second Test against the West Indies. Smith will bat at No. 4, replacing Josh Inglis, who had a disappointing performance in the series opener.
However, Smith’s return is tempered by a significant precaution; he will not be fielding in the slips due to a compound dislocation of his finger sustained during the World Test Championship final last month. Instead, he will take up positions at mid-off and fine leg, allowing for his safety while still contributing to the team. Cummins highlighted that Australia boasts talented slip fielders in Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and Beau Webster, along with teenage talent Sam Konstas, who has been training for the role.
Cummins provided an update on Smith’s condition, stating, “He’s ready to go. The finger held up well,” indicating that Smith felt comfortable batting. He added that while Smith may not be frequenting the slips, he might get involved for spin bowling. The captain acknowledged Smith’s impressive track record, noting his ability to score runs globally, which will be crucial given the challenging batting conditions witnessed in the first Test.
Despite Australia’s victory in Barbados during the first Test, Cummins reflected on the team’s need for Smith’s experience and skill, emphasising that Smith has scored four centuries in his last six matches. He remarked, “That’s one of his great strengths… he seems to work out pretty quickly what needs to be done.”
Looking ahead to the second Test, which is set to start at midnight AEST on Thursday, Cummins expressed excitement about the unpredictability of playing in the current conditions and the mental agility required.
The confirmed team for Australia’s second Test is: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.