• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Steve Smiths Return Likely As Mcdonald Issues Big Update Before Aus Vs Wi 2Nd Test

Steve Smith's Return Likely As McDonald Issues Big Update Before AUS vs WI 2nd Test

Debashis Sarangi

Steve Smith missed 1st Test due to injury [Source: AP]Steve Smith missed 1st Test due to injury [Source: AP]

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald is hopeful of Steve Smith's return to the Test side for the upcoming game against West Indies. Hailed for his excellent batsmanship, Smith missed the first Test after sustaining a finger injury during the high-voltage World Test Championship final. 

Smith Likely To Play 2nd Test vs West Indies, Says McDonald

Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith was sidelined from the first Test against West Indies, with a painful finger injury preventing him from playing the high-profile clash. The talismanic cricketer headed to New York, where he hit the nets against a tennis ball before rejoining his Australian teammates on Saturday evening. 

As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Smith has yet to undergo a few medical protocols before receiving a formal clearance to feature in the Grenada Test. However, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald remains optimistic about the batter's much-anticipated comeback for the clash, which is slated to begin on July 3. 

"It's really about functionality around the finger rather than anything else. There'll be no risk to long-term health of that finger. He'll return and I think it's likely he'll play. Leading into the next game, he'll have the main session two days out," McDonald was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. 

The former all-rounder also revealed that Smith would be reinstated in his preferred number four position. It means swashbuckling keeper-batter Josh Inglis will have to make way for him in the Australian lineup. 

"He'll [also] train the day before [the match]. If that all goes well, then I'd expect Steve to resume at No. 4," McDonald added. 

Steve Smith's Return To Boost Australia's Fragile Batting Unit

In Smith's absence, Australia had a poor outing with the bat in the first innings of the previous Test in Barbados. Although Travis Head smashed two consecutive fifties, the likes of Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis disappointed the visitors across both innings. 

Thus, Smith's return will definitely strengthen Australia's lineup as they aim to seal the series by winning the upcoming encounter in Grenada.