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Late on Friday night, Australia decimated West Indies to clinch the opening Test of the three-match series by 159 runs at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. After 60-plus knocks from Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63) and Alex Carey (65) helped Australia post 300-plus runs target, Josh Hazlewood’s five-fer along with key wickets at crucial intervals helped the visitors restrict the hosts at 141.
While the Windies too had their moments on the field with Shamar Joseph shining with the ball, the Aussies are all set to get boasted by the reported return of veteran batter Steve Smith. Smith was ruled out of the opening Test due to the finger injury he sustained during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Final.
I think he is looking good: Pat Cummins opens up on Steve Smith’s return in Test
While Steve Smith flew to New York to continue his rehabilitation, Aussie captain Pat Cummins has now hinted on the veteran’s possible return in the side for the second Test, which is scheduled to be played from July 3 to 7 at the National Cricket Stadium in St George, Grenada. Speaking after their win, Cummins confirmed that Smith has resumed batting practice.
"He's had a few hits over in New York, which I think was with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball," Cummins said. "I think his wound is looking good, so the next stage is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets. So we'll know more over the next few days," he added. It is to be noted that Smith’s return will be a big boost seeing the middle order struggle a bit.
Australia squad for West Indies tour
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
