WI vs AUS 2025: Steve Smith replaces Josh Inglis as Australia announce XI for Grenada Test
"He's ready to go, the finger held up well. He was really happy, particularly batting. Fielding we still potentially need to manage it a little bit," said Cummins.
Former Australian skipper Steve Smith has recovered from his finger injury and will return to the playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada.
The captain Pat Cummins confirmed Smith’s inclusion less than 24 hours ahead of the clash at the National Cricket Stadium, with Josh Inglis making way for the veteran. Smith trained without discomfort while wearing a splint during practice on Tuesday, July 2. Cummins stated there was no reason to leave out the experienced top-order batter.
"He's ready to go, the finger held up well. He was really happy, particularly batting. Fielding we still potentially need to manage it a little bit, so he might not be in the slips too often – maybe for spin he'll be OK, but (for the) quicks he might need to wait another week,” Cummins was quoted as saying by ICC.
"So you might see him running around a bit more … probably some variation of mid-off and fine leg, (but) we'll see if he lasts a few days down at fine leg, I reckon he'll be itching to get up in the circle pretty quick," he added.
Gill carves his name into elite company with sublime hundred
Smith's return is the only change to the Australian XI that secured a 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test in Barbados. Meanwhile, the hosts have decided to finalise their playing XI at the toss.
West Indies are considering adding an extra seamer to their bowling attack, with Anderson Phillip in contention to make his third Test appearance. He could replace vice-captain Jomel Warrican in the line-up.
All eyes will also be on opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who is set to become just the 10th West Indian player to reach 100 Test appearances. He has been a vital part of the red-ball side since his debut in 2011, and his longevity was praised by the skipper Roston Chase ahead of the milestone match.
"It's an amazing feat, he's the third Bajan player to do it so that's tremendous in itself. The last guy to do it (for West Indies) was Chris Gayle in 2014, so it says a lot for Kraigg,” said Chase.
"He's a modern-day legend and someone I look up to – I've played with him from under-11s. He stated before starting his career that he wanted to play 100 Tests so that's an amazing achievement that someone can set a goal from so early and achieve it after so many years,” he added.
Australia XI for second Test against West Indies
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
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