WI vs AUS 2025: Steve Smith eyeing potential return in Grenada Test

Australia’s veteran batter Steve Smith is eyeing a return to red-ball cricket in the second Test against the West Indies, set to begin on July 3 in Grenada. Having missed the series opener due to a dislocated finger sustained during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa, Smith's comeback is expected to strengthen the Australian top order.

The injury occurred while Smith was fielding in the slips during the WTC Final at Lord’s, where he suffered a dislocation of his right little finger. Post-injury, he flew to New York for rehabilitation. According to skipper Pat Cummins, Smith has already resumed batting drills using softer balls and is expected to rejoin the squad in Bridgetown by Sunday.

"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," Cummins said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The visiting team won the first Test in Barbados convincingly by 159 runs, but the absence of Smith and Marnus Labuschagne hurt the batting department significantly. The top order collapsed against Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, putting 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. Despite the collapses, the team won the game within three days.

You've got to find a way to be effective: Cummins

Young Sam Konstas was handed an opportunity alongside Josh Inglis and Cameron Green at the top. However, the trio struggled under pressure. Konstas managed scores of just three and five, dismissed both times by Joseph while Inglis, promoted to No. 4, could only score five and 12. On the other hand, Green fell for three and 15.

"You saw today how tricky a wicket that was, there weren't too many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game. Of course, the top order would like to score some more runs. The challenge of Test cricket, especially for young players, is that 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," Cummins added.

Australia will be looking to finish the series 2-0 and continue their strong start to the new World Test Championship cycle. The second Test will also be the first-ever Test match at Grenada's National Stadium.