Steve Smith is set to come back for the second Test against West Indies in Grenada, according to ESPNCricinfo. Following his initial full training session since he got a compound dislocation of his right little finger in the Lord’s Test against South Africa. Although he should reclaim his XI place, Australia will have to modify their fielding formation because Smith won’t be able to resume his normal role in the slip cordon.
Smith had been recovering in New York for the first Test in Barbados and only had his stitches removed when he rejoined the team. He will still sport a splint for the next six weeks but has been making reassuring fitness indications. On Tuesday, while having a practice session at Grenada’s National Stadium, Smith practiced extensively first against throwdowns, then spin by Nathan Lyon, and then pace by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc at below full speeds. He seemed to have practiced without any significant discomfort, although medical personnel kept a close watch on his injured finger.
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Post-net talks with coach Andrew McDonald, selector George Bailey, and physio Nick Jones hinted at confidence in Smith’s return. But he did experience a bit of discomfort while doing fielding drills, and Australia are preparing around the probability he won’t field in the slips.
Beau Webster stayed at second slip, Sam Konstas trained in third, and Mitchell Starc trained at the gully. Usman Khawaja will likely remain at first slip, while Josh Inglis, who replaced Smith at No. 4 in the last Test, didn’t participate in slip fielding, confirming that Smith is likely to play.
“He seems pretty confident,” Alex Carey had said before training began. “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.”
