Smith Eyes Grenada Test Return as Australia Seeks Top-Order Stability

Smith Set to Bolster Australia for Grenada Test

After securing a dominant victory in the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, Australia may soon welcome back experienced batsman Steve Smith to their squad. Smith is expected to arrive by Sunday, potentially playing in the second Test in Grenada.

Steve Smith missed the opening Test after dislocating a finger during the WTC final © Getty

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice. Smith had dislocated his finger during the World Test Championship Final and subsequently returned to New York for rehabilitation, causing him to miss the first Test match.

Cummins elaborated, "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."

Despite their win, Australia's top order struggled in Smith's absence during the first Test, particularly after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped. They were quickly reduced to 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. However, Cummins expressed confidence in his younger batsmen.

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

The second Test match, a historic first for Grenada, is scheduled to commence on July 3rd.