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Key Points

Australian cricket star Steve Smith makes a triumphant return to the Test squad for the second match against West Indies in Grenada. Pat Cummins confirmed Smith's readiness, with minor field positioning adjustments to manage his recent finger injury. The match holds special significance as West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite prepares to play his milestone 100th Test appearance. Australia enters the match unchanged and confident after their comprehensive victory in the series opener.

Key Points: Smith Returns to Bolster Australia's Test Squad in Grenada

  • Steve Smith returns after injury with strategic field placement
  • Kraigg Brathwaite set to play landmark 100th Test match
  • Australia unchanged from first Test victory
  • West Indies considering extra seamer for crucial encounter
3 min read

Steve Smith returns as Australia announce playing XI for second Test against West Indies

Steve Smith rejoins Australian XI for crucial second Test against West Indies, with Pat Cummins confirming his fitness and strategic positioning

"He's ready to go, the finger held up well - Pat Cummins, Australian Captain"

Grenada, July 3

Right-hand batter Steve Smith returned to the line-up as the Australian side announced their playing XI for the second Test against West Indies, which will be played from July 3 to 8.

Skipper Pat Cummins revealed the return of Smith for the clash at the National Cricket Stadium, with Josh Inglis the player to make way for the Australian veteran.

Smith batted without pain while wearing a splint on Tuesday, and Cummins said there was no reason to leave the 36-year-old out of the playing XI.

"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 said of Smith as quoted 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," the right-arm seamer added.

The return of Smith is the only change to the Australian team that defeated the West Indies by 159 runs in the opening Test of the series, while the Caribbean side confirmed they will wait until the toss before locking in their final XI.

The West Indies are deciding whether to include an extra seamer in their line-up, with left-armer Anderson Phillip a chance to play and make his third Test appearance in Grenada in place of spinner and vice-captain Jomel Warrican.

One player certain to feature for the West Indies in the clash is experienced opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who will become just the 10th player from the Caribbean side to make 100 Test appearances.

Brathwaite has been a mainstay in the West Indies' red-ball setup since he made his Test debut back in 2011, and skipper Roston Chase paid tribute to the longevity of the 32-year-old.

"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. He's a modern-day legend and someone I look up to - I've played with him from under-11s," Chase said.

"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," the captain added.

Australia XI for second Test: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, I'm watching this series closely. Australia's batting looks strong with Smith's return. But honestly, West Indies need to step up their game - they've been disappointing in Tests lately 😕
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Karthik V
Congratulations to Kraigg Brathwaite on 100 Tests! That's a huge achievement in modern cricket. West Indies may not be what they used to be, but players like him keep the spirit alive. Respect! 👏
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Ananya R
Why is Australia always so careful with their players' injuries? When Indian players get injured, they're either rushed back or dropped completely. BCCI should learn from Cricket Australia's player management.
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Sarah B
Excited to see Smith bat again! His technique is so unique and effective. As someone who grew up watching Tendulkar, I appreciate batsmen who have their own style. Hope he gets a century in this match!
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Vikram M
Honestly, this series feels like a mismatch. Australia could have rested more players and still won comfortably. ICC needs to do something about Test cricket competitiveness. Where are the days when Windies were fearsome?
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Nikhil C
Good to see young Sam Konstas getting another chance. Australia's investment in youth is impressive. Meanwhile in

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