In the second Test match against the West Indies, which starts in Grenada on July 3, veteran batsman Steve Smith of Australia is hoping to make a comeback to red-ball cricket. Steve Smith return is anticipated to bolster the Australian top order after he missed the first game of the series because of a dislocated finger he suffered during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa.
Steve Smith sustained the injury when he dislocated his right little finger while fielding in the slips during the WTC Final at Lord’s.
He took a plane to New York for recovery after his injuries. Steve Smith has already started hitting workouts with softer balls again, and captain Pat Cummins said he should be back with the team in Bridgetown by Sunday.
“I believe he was hit with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball during his brief stay in New York. The next step is for him to come over here and hit some balls in the nets, as I believe his wound is healing nicely. Therefore, over the next days, we’ll learn more,” Cummins stated, as cited by Cricbuzz.
Although the visiting squad easily won the first Test in Barbados by 159 runs, the batting department suffered greatly from Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne’s absence. Against Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, the top order fell apart, scoring 22/3 in the first innings and 65/4 in the second. The squad won the game in three days in spite of the collapses.
You must figure out how to be effective: Cummins
At the top, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and young Sam Konstas were all given opportunities. But under pressed, the three of them faltered. Inglis, elevated to No. 4, could only score five and twelve, while Konstas only scored three and five, all of which were dismissed by Joseph. However, Green fell for three and fifteen.
“You witnessed today how difficult the wicket was; throughout the entire match, there weren’t many partnerships of 50 runs. The top order naturally wants to score more runs. The difficulty of Test cricket, particularly for young players, is that you have to figure out how to be productive when faced with various situations. Our youthful batting group has that task,” Cummins continued.
In order to maintain their impressive start to the 2019 World Test Championship cycle, Australia will aim to end the series 2-0. Grenada’s National Stadium will host its first-ever Test match during the second Test.
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