Steve Smith Returns to Australia’s XI for 2nd Test vs West Indies as Josh Inglis Sits Out

Steve Smith Returns, Shaking Up Australia’s Test Team

Steve Smith is back in the thick of things for Australia after nursing a finger injury that kept him out of the first Test against the West Indies. The selectors wasted no time slotting the veteran right back into the lineup for the second clash, showing just how much faith they have in his impact. Smith, who’s been a backbone in the team’s middle order for years, now steps in for Josh Inglis, with Alex Carey returning to handle wicketkeeping duties.

Here’s something different: because Smith’s finger isn’t fully healed, he won’t be camped out in the slip cordon, his usual post. Captain Pat Cummins explained that Smith will stick to fielding at mid-off or fine leg—positions a bit easier on the hands, especially with the Aussie quicks hurling down thunderbolts. Cummins put it simply, “He’s ready to go, the finger held up well in training, but for the quicks, maybe another week for the slips.” It’s a clear sign Australia want to protect their asset while still unleashing his batting prowess.

The new Australia XI looks solid: Steve Smith, Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. With heavy hitters like Khawaja and Green alongside Smith, the batting order feels more balanced and experienced. Smith especially has a reputation against the West Indies—a Test average just shy of 125, which is the kind of record that gives bowlers headaches before the first ball is bowled.

West Indies Look for Adjustments Amid Big Milestone

While Australia firmed up their eleven, the West Indies have made one change, but details are still under wraps. What’s clear is that their squad is in a transition phase, especially with several less battle-hardened players getting a taste of tough Test cricket in Australian conditions. Assistant coach Floyd Reifer pointed out how crucial Brandon King has been, piecing together steady partnerships with Shai Hope. There have even been bright spots lower down the order, like Alzarri Joseph chipping in with handy runs under pressure.

The West Indies’ new batting lineup is still acclimatizing—not just to Australia’s pace attack but the unfamiliar bounce and wear of wickets down under. Reifer didn’t sugarcoat it: “Young batters are learning how Test cricket unfolds, especially when the pitch starts turning and keeping low. Building partnerships and taking it session by session is key for us now.”

This match, though, isn’t just about how the lineups look on paper. There’s history in the making too. Kraigg Brathwaite, the steadfast opener and captain, is running out for his 100th Test match—a rare feat and a proud moment for Caribbean cricket. The team will want to put up a fight and honor that milestone, even as they search for the right mix and rhythm.

The second Test has all the ingredients: a returning star with a point to prove, a team spinning tactics around injury risk, a West Indies group seeking answers, and a milestone that adds a touch of storybook sentiment to the contest. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely: can Smith pick up right where he left off, and can the Windies shake up the Aussies on their own patch?