Islamabad, July 1, 2025: Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald has expressed confidence that seasoned batter Steve Smith will recover from his injury in time to feature in the second Test against the West Indies, scheduled to commence on July 3. Smith sat out the first match of the series due to a finger injury he sustained during the 2025 World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s.
Despite the setback, Smith has shown swift improvement and has resumed batting drills in New York, as disclosed by skipper Pat Cummins. Recently, McDonald provided an update regarding Smith’s rehabilitation, indicating that he is expected to be fit for the second Test.
“It’s more about the finger’s functionality than anything else. There’s no danger to its long-term condition. He’ll make his return, and I believe it’s highly probable he’ll be in the lineup. He’s set to have his primary training session two days before the match,” McDonald remarked, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Additionally, McDonald confirmed that Smith will retain the number four slot in the batting lineup, with the remaining order adjusting accordingly.
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“As far as his spot at number four is concerned, that’s something we’ve finalized. We could elevate him if necessary. He’s performed brilliantly at number three as well. But over the past year, his steadiness at number four has been crucial when we’ve lost two wickets. Given he’s possibly our finest batter, we want him anchoring that role rather than triggering too many adjustments in the batting lineup,” he elaborated.
During Smith’s absence, Josh Inglis stepped in at number four in the opening Test but didn’t impress, scoring 5 and 12 in the two innings. Australia also opted to sideline Marnus Labuschagne for the series opener following his struggles as an opener in the WTC Final against South Africa.
Should Steve Smith regain full fitness ahead of the second Test, Inglis is expected to be dropped to accommodate the experienced batter as Australia eyes a series-clinching win at the National Cricket Stadium in St Georges, Grenada.
