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Cricket Australia on Wednesday announced their playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies, set to begin at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s. The hosts, meanwhile, have decided to reveal their final XI at the toss.
Australia have made one change to the side that won the first Test by 159 runs — veteran batter Steve Smith returns from injury, replacing Josh Inglis in the lineup.
Smith had missed the opening match due to a finger injury but has now recovered and is ready to take the field. Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed the news ahead of the match.
“He’s ready to go, the finger held up well,” Cummins said.
“He was really happy, particularly with his batting,” he added.
While Smith is expected to contribute with the bat, Cummins added that his fielding will be managed carefully.
“He might not be in the slips too often — maybe for spin he’ll be OK, but for the quicks he might need to wait another week,” Cummins explained.
“You’ll probably see him at mid-off or fine leg early on, but knowing him, he’ll want to move back into the circle quickly,” he further explained.
The 36-year-old showed no signs of discomfort during training earlier this week, batting with a splint and earning a clean bill of health from the medical staff. His return adds experience to an already dominant Australian side.
The West Indies, on the other hand, are considering a tactical change by possibly adding an extra fast bowler. Left-arm pacer Anderson Phillip is in contention to replace spinner and vice-captain Jomel Warrican.
A highlight for the West Indies heading into the second Test is the 100th Test appearance of veteran opener Kraigg Brathwaite. He will become only the 10th West Indian to reach the milestone in Test cricket.
West Indies captain Roston Chase praised Brathwaite’s dedication and longevity in the format.
“It’s an amazing feat, he’s the third Bajan player to do it so that’s tremendous in itself,” said Chase.
“He’s a modern-day legend and someone I look up to — we’ve played together since under-11s. He always said he wanted to play 100 Tests, and now he’s done it,” he added.
Australia playing XI for second Test:
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
