Australian cricket team announced their playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies, set to commence at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, from July 3 to 8, 2025. The headline news is the return of star batsman Steve Smith, who missed the series opener due to a dislocated finger sustained during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s. This comprehensive guide delves into Smith’s recovery, the Australian squad changes, West Indies’ lineup considerations, and the match preview, offering fans and analysts an in-depth look at this crucial ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 clash. With Australia leading 1-0 after a 159-run victory in Barbados, the return of Smith signals their intent to seal the series.
Steve Smith’s Comeback: A Boost for Australia’s Batting
Steve Smith, a linchpin of Australia’s batting order, has been cleared to return for the second Test after a compound dislocation of his right little finger sidelined him for the first Test in Barbados. The 36-year-old veteran underwent rehabilitation in New York, training with a tennis ball and an incredi-ball to regain confidence in his batting grip. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed Smith’s readiness, stating, “He’s ready to go, the finger held up well. He was really happy, particularly batting” @cricketcomau. Smith’s training session on July 1, 2025, in Grenada included a 30-minute batting stint and slips catching drills, with a protective splint ensuring no discomfort. However, to minimize re-injury risk, Smith will avoid his usual slip fielding position for fast bowlers, potentially standing at mid-off or fine leg during pace spells, though he may field in the slips for spinners.
Smith’s return is a significant boost, given his stellar record against the West Indies. In nine Tests, he has amassed 872 runs at an astonishing average of 124.57, including three centuries and a career-best 200 not out. His ability to adapt to unfamiliar conditions, as noted by Cummins, makes him a vital asset at the National Cricket Stadium, where Australia is playing their first-ever Test. “He seems to work out pretty quickly what needs to be done and where your scoring areas are,” Cummins said, highlighting Smith’s global run-scoring prowess.
Squad Changes: Josh Inglis Makes Way
The return of Steve Smith necessitates a single change to the Australian XI that secured a 159-run victory in the first Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados. Josh Inglis, who scored 5 and 12 in the series opener, has been dropped to accommodate Smith at the No. 4 batting position. Despite Inglis’ struggles against the West Indies’ pace attack, led by Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, Australia retained their core lineup, including openers Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas, and middle-order batsmen Cameron Green, Travis Head, and Beau Webster. The bowling attack, featuring Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, remains unchanged, reflecting confidence in their performance after Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul in Barbados.
The full Australian XI for the second Test is: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. This lineup balances experience with youth, with Konstas and Green backed to rebound after low scores in the first Test. Smith himself expressed optimism about the young batsmen, stating, “We just need to give them an opportunity and let them get used to playing in these conditions” @tribuneindia.
West Indies’ Lineup: Strategic Decisions Loom
The West Indies, led by captain Roston Chase, have yet to finalize their XI, with a decision pending until the toss on July 3, 2025. The team faces a tactical dilemma: whether to bolster their pace attack with left-armer Anderson Phillip, who could make his third Test appearance, or retain spinner Jomel Warrican, the vice-captain. The Grenada pitch, described by Cummins as a “pretty good wicket” with even grass coverage, may favor pace, as evidenced by the West Indies’ 10-wicket thrashing of England in 2022 at the same venue. Shamar Joseph, who took nine wickets in the first Test, remains a key threat, having troubled Australia’s batsmen in Barbados.
The West Indies squad includes: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales. A highlight for the hosts is Kraigg Brathwaite, who will play his 100th Test, becoming only the 10th West Indian to reach this milestone. Chase praised Brathwaite’s longevity, noting, “He’s a modern-day legend, the third Bajan to do it” @thenewsmill.
Match Preview: Grenada’s Unique Challenge
The National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, hosting only its fifth Test since 2002, presents a unique challenge for both teams. The venue’s pace-friendly surface, coupled with its history of low-scoring encounters, demands adaptability. Australia’s first Test win relied on Travis Head’s twin fifties and Beau Webster and Alex Carey’s half-centuries, which set a defendable 300-plus target. However, the West Indies’ pace trio of Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales exposed vulnerabilities in Australia’s top order, dismissing Konstas and Green cheaply. Coach Daren Sammy remains optimistic, stating, “We got 20 wickets in the first Test, and that’s the first step towards winning” @tribuneindia.
Smith’s return strengthens Australia’s middle order, particularly against spin, where he may field in the slips for Warrican or Chase. His 872 runs against the West Indies include a 199 in Sabina Park in 2015, underscoring his ability to dominate Caribbean bowling attacks. The West Indies, trailing 1-0, must improve their fielding after dropped catches in Barbados, as Sammy noted, “We shot ourselves in the foot” @tribuneindia. A potential inclusion of Anderson Phillip could add variety to their attack, but they face a formidable Australian side aiming to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, which they have held since 1995.
Smith’s Injury Recovery: A Remarkable Turnaround
Smith’s finger injury, a compound dislocation sustained while attempting a catch off Temba Bavuma in the WTC final, initially raised concerns about his availability. After spending a week in New York, where he trained in a baseball cage with soft balls, Smith rejoined the squad in Barbados on June 28, 2025. Head coach Andrew McDonald emphasized functionality over long-term risk, stating, “There’ll be no risk to the long-term health of that finger” @espncricinfo. Smith’s Tuesday training session in Grenada was pivotal, with no pain reported during batting or fielding drills. His return to the No. 4 spot displaces Josh Inglis, whose struggles in Barbados highlighted the need for Smith’s experience.
Kraigg Brathwaite’s Milestone: A West Indian Legend
Kraigg Brathwaite’s 100th Test is a historic moment for the West Indies, marking him as the third Barbadian to achieve this feat after Chris Gayle (2014). Since his debut in 2011, Brathwaite has been a cornerstone of the West Indies’ Test setup, known for his gritty opening batting. Roston Chase lauded his teammate, saying, “He stated early he wanted to play 100 Tests, and it’s amazing to see him achieve that” @thenewsmill. Brathwaite’s presence will be crucial for the West Indies, especially against Australia’s potent pace attack led by Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood.
Pitch and Conditions: What to Expect in Grenada
The Grenada pitch, with its even grass coverage, is expected to assist pacers early, as seen in the 2022 England-West Indies Test. Cummins described it as a “pretty good wicket,” suggesting a balanced contest between bat and ball. Australia’s bowlers, particularly Hazlewood and Lyon, will aim to exploit these conditions, while the West Indies hope their pacers can replicate their first-Test dominance. Weather in St George’s is forecast to be clear, ensuring a full five days of play from July 3 to 8, 2025. Fans can follow live updates via ABC Sport’s live blog starting at 11:30 p.m. AEST on July 3.
Australia’s Push for Series Victory
The return of Steve Smith to the Australian squad for the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada is a game-changer, bolstering their batting as they aim to clinch the series. With a 1-0 lead and a formidable lineup featuring Khawaja, Head, and Cummins, Australia are favorites to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy. The West Indies, buoyed by Kraigg Brathwaite’s 100th Test and a potent pace attack, remain a threat, but they must address fielding lapses to challenge the visitors. As the National Cricket Stadium hosts this historic clash, fans can expect a thrilling battle in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
