ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – After missing the opening Test in Barbados, Australian batsman Steve Smith is expected to return to the lineup for the second Test in Grenada which bowls off on Thursday.
The 36-year-old Smith was ruled out of the first Test at Kensington Oval, which Australia won by 159 runs, after picking up a finger injury in the World Test Championship final against South Africa.
However, Smith, who averages 56.55 in 117 Tests, is confident that he will feature in the second Test after having the stitches removed from the affected area.
The veteran joined his teammates in the Caribbean on Sunday and is expected to take part in full practice on Tuesday.
Smith will be fitted with a thinner splint for his injured finger and, while he won’t be able to field in his usual position in the slips, he is expected to have no issues while batting.
“For me, it’ll just feel like training as normal, I think.
“I don’t really feel any pain or anything. (It’s) just getting used to the splint on and the slight limited movement. It’s not too bad, I’ve got a lot of movement there now, so that feels good. Hitting the ball felt completely fine,” Smith said.
“Fielding some balls in front of the wicket will probably be the strangest thing for me, I don’t think I’ve ever done that in a Test match. Fielding at either probably mid-on or mid-off or fine leg, is a bit different to standing at the second or first slip.”
With Smith set to return to Australia’s side, it means reserve batter Josh Inglis is likely to be the unlucky one to make way after he managed scores of just five and 12 during the first Test. (CMC)
