Wi vs. Star to return to Aus 2 Tests

Australia cricket team batter Steve Smith is all but confirmed to return to the playing XI for WI vs AUS 2nd Test. The former captain, who sustained a compound dislocation on his finger during the WTC final, rejoined the squad in Barbados on Saturday after missing the 1st Test. Ahead of the 2nd match, Smith has provided an update on his recovery status and availability for the game.

Smith to return but won’t field at slips

Speaking to reporters ahead of the WI vs AUS 2nd Test, Smith revealed that he doesn’t feel pain and that it was more of getting used to the splint since it will limit his movement. The star was advised to wear a splint for 8 weeks but was cleared to bat with it, if he was comfortable. However, Smith will not be able to field at his usual position in the slips. Instead, he will be placed in front of the wicket.

“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,” Smith said.

In Smith’s absence, Josh Inglis was named as replacement at number 4 for Australia. However, the batter hardly tasted success, scoring 5 and 12 in two innings.

On Sunday, head coach Andrew McDonald hinted that Smith was all set to return to the playing XI. He noted that there was risk to the long term health of the dislocated finger.

“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 said.