{"id":1701,"date":"2025-06-29T04:02:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-29T04:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e2bet777.net\/?p=1701"},"modified":"2025-06-29T04:02:38","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T04:02:38","slug":"wi-vs-aus-steve-smith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e2bet777.net\/index.php\/2025\/06\/29\/wi-vs-aus-steve-smith\/","title":{"rendered":"WI vs AUS: Steve Smith poised to return to Australia\u2019s playing XI for second Test"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Steve Smith missed the first WI vs AUS Test due to a finger injury sustained during the ICC WTC 2023-25 final.<\/a> Australia continued their dominant streak against the Caribbean team, securing a commanding 159-run victory in the opening Test at Kensington Oval. This win gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and earned their first points in the ICC World Test Championship<\/a> (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buoyed by this clinical performance, Australia heads into the second Test with strong confidence. Adding to their advantage, the visitors are expected to be bolstered by the return of their star batter, Steve Smith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second Test is set to take place from July 3 to 7 at the National Cricket Stadium in St. George\u2019s, Grenada. Australia will aim to seal the series with a win, and with Smith\u2019s potential comeback, their batting lineup will be even more formidable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Smith has begun batting practice ahead of the second Test between the West Indies and Australia in Grenada.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"WI<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Smith missed the first Test after dislocating a finger during the ICC World Test Championship final (2023-25) against South Africa at Lord\u2019s. The 36-year-old spent time in New York undergoing rehabilitation.<\/a> According to Cricbuzz, Smith is expected to rejoin the Australian squad by June 29 (Sunday). Australian Test captain Pat Cummins confirmed Smith\u2019s return for the upcoming match. Following Australia\u2019s victory in the first Test, Cummins revealed that Smith has started batting practice with a tennis ball in New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had a few hits over there with a tennis ball. His injury looks to be healing well, so the next step is for him to come here and face some balls in the nets. We should know more in the coming days,\u201d Cummins said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Smith: Australia struggled without Steve Smith, as their top order faced major difficulties in the opening Test. With Marnus Labuschagne already dropped, Steve Smith comeback could strengthen Australia\u2019s batting lineup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the first innings, the visitors were reduced to 22 for 3, and in the second innings, they lost four wickets for just 65 runs. The pitch posed significant challenges, which Cummins acknowledged. Nevertheless, the captain remains eager to give the young players another opportunity in the second Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table of Contents<\/h2>