WI vs AUS: Steve Smith returns as Australia eye series sweep in Grenada; Josh Inglis makes way | Cricket News – Times of India

Steve Smith has been cleared to play in the second Test in opposition to West Indies, marking a major enhance to Australia’s prime order as they intention to seal a series win in Grenada beginning Thursday.Smith missed the primary Test in Barbados on account of a dislocated finger sustained throughout final month’s World Test Championship ultimate. He rejoined the squad earlier this week and has now handed all health exams, together with two strong coaching periods and fielding drills, to reclaim his place at No. 4.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“He’s ready to go, the finger held up well,” skipper Pat Cummins confirmed on match eve. “He was really happy, particularly batting.”Josh Inglis, who managed scores of 5 and 12 in the opening Test, is the one participant to make way for Smith in the enjoying XI.

While Smith’s batting return is a serious fillip, his common fielding duties can be altered. He is anticipated to keep away from the slip cordon for quick bowlers because of the lingering results of the damage, and should as an alternative patrol mid-off or nice leg, although he might nonetheless subject shut for spin.“He might not be in the slips too often – maybe for spin he’ll be OK,” Cummins added. “But you might see him running around a bit more.”

Smith’s return comes at a venue steeped in uncertainty – Grenada’s National Stadium has hosted simply 4 Tests in 23 years, and by no means one that includes Australia. Yet Cummins believes Smith’s adaptability is essential.“That’s one of his great strengths – he’s scored runs all over the world,” the captain mentioned. “He seems to work out quickly what needs to be done, especially on unfamiliar surfaces.”On the West Indies aspect, veteran Kraigg Brathwaite will play his one hundredth Test – solely the tenth Caribbean cricketer to achieve the milestone.“He’s a modern-day legend,” mentioned captain Roston Chase. “He stated early that he wanted to play 100 Tests, and it’s amazing to see him achieve that.”Australia lead the two-Test series 1-0 after a 159-run win in Barbados, and can be aiming to finish a clear sweep in opposition to a house aspect nonetheless unsure about its bowling mixture, with Anderson Phillip and Jomel Warrican vying for the ultimate spot.

Australia XI for second Test vs West Indies

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood