Steve Smith Likely to Return for Second Test in Grenada

Steve Smith missed the first test against the West Indies with a dislocated finger. Picture: Cricket Australia.

Steve Smith is poised to return to Australia’s XI for the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada starting Friday, according to Australian head coach Andrew McDonald.

Captain Pat Cummins revealed in the aftermath of Australia’s 159-run victory in the series opener in Barbados that Smith was set to re-join the Test squad in the coming days and the vice-captain posted an Instagram story of him boarding a flight from New York to Barbados shortly afterwards.

McDonald stressed that Smith will still need to tick every box with the medical staff, including a decisive training session in the lead-up to the second Test, after dislocating his finger in the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa at Lords earlier this month.

“It’s really about functionality around the finger rather than anything else,” McDonald said.

“There’ll be no risk to long-term health of that finger. He’ll return and I think it’s likely he’ll play.

“Leading into the next game, he’ll have the main session two days out.

“He’ll [also] train the day before [the match]. If that all goes well, then I’d expect Steve to resume at No. 4.”

McDonald reiterated Cummins’ comments that Smith will slot straight back in to second drop if he is passed fit, likely in place of one of Cameron Green, who made 3 and 15 after scores of 4 and 0 against South Africa, or Josh Inglis, who batted at number 4 and was was dismissed for 5 and 12 as a result of an errant hook shot and a misjudged leave.

If he is to return in Grenada, Smith will not be able to field in his customary position in the slips.