Steven Smith Set to Return for Grenada Test but Will Not Field in Slips Due to Finger Injury

Steven Smith is poised to make his return to the Australian Test side for the second match against West Indies in Grenada, but the veteran batter will not take up his usual position in the slips due to a lingering finger injury.

Smith has been recovering from a compound dislocation to his right little finger, sustained during the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s last month. Although he has resumed full training and batted confidently in the nets, he will need to wear a splint for the next six weeks and will be restricted in the field.

Smith’s inclusion is expected to come at the expense of Josh Inglis, who had filled in at No. 4 during the opening Test in Barbados. Despite the finger injury, Smith faced Australia’s top pacers—Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc—during a practice session at the National Stadium in Grenada and showed no signs of discomfort.

“He seems pretty confident,” said wicketkeeper Alex Carey before the session. “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.”

Australia, however, will need to reshuffle their fielding setup. Smith, one of the game’s safest slip fielders, will be deployed in the outfield instead. During training, Beau Webster continued at second slip, while youngster Sam Konstas moved into third. Usman Khawaja, who stood at first slip in the previous Test, is expected to retain that role, with Starc and possibly Cameron Green covering gully duties.

Smith's record against West Indies is formidable—an astonishing average of 124.57 in Tests, including an unbeaten 200 in Perth in 2022 and a 199 in Kingston during the 2015 tour. His return is expected to bolster an Australian side that is already 1-0 up in the series.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy acknowledged Smith's quality but believes his side can rise to the challenge.

“Steve Smith, if he comes in, poses a different challenge to us,” Sammy said. “Australia is still strong [without him] because of the system they have. But we showed we can get 20 wickets. That’s the first step toward winning.”

Sammy also hinted at changes to West Indies' slip cordon after a disappointing fielding performance in Barbados, where they dropped seven catches. Brandon King may be moved to first slip, with Roston Chase potentially shifting to gully, although that could complicate things with Chase also leading the team.

“I think the biggest thing is we shot ourselves in the foot,” Sammy admitted. “You cannot drop seven catches against the world’s No. 1 team and expect to compete.”

Meanwhile, pitch conditions in Grenada are expected to be less lively than those in Barbados. The surface had an even layer of dry grass and was given another heavy rolling ahead of training.

“It’s normally a really good cricket wicket,” said Sammy. “Whether it’s grassy or flat, the challenge is about execution.”

With Smith’s return and both teams adjusting tactically, the second Test in Grenada promises another gripping contest in this mid-year series.