‘We back them in’: Australia to persist with wobbly top order as Smith comeback looms

2 months ago 30

Bridgetown: Pat Cummins says Steve Smith will rejoin Australia’s squad this weekend and could be cleared to return for the second Test in Grenada, as the side’s under-pressure top order looks to bounce back from a shaky start to the West Indies tour.

Smith has been facing tennis balls in New York as part of his recovery from a compound finger dislocation he sustained during last month’s World Test Championship final.

If Smith passes a fitness test in the nets early next week in the Caribbean, he is expected to slot back into the side for the second Test, which starts on Thursday, likely at the expense of Josh Inglis, who batted at No.4 this week without much success.

“He’s had a few hits over in New York with a tennis ball and an incrediball [a softer training ball],” Cummins said. “I think his wound is looking good. The next stage is to come over here and hit some balls in the nets. I think we’ll know more over the next couple of days.

“He’s not a certainty. I think he’s got a few things to tick off. So we’ll work that out over the next few days. Of course if he’s fit, he’ll be straight back in.”

Australia’s Steve Smith (right) reacts in pain after getting hurt while fielding on day three of the World Test Championship final.

Australia’s bowlers set up a 159-run win in the first Test in Barbados, but the top order failed to fire in tough conditions. Sam Konstas (three and five), Cameron Green (three and 15) and Inglis (five and 12) were all dismissed cheaply.

Cummins said he did not anticipate selectors would consider sweeping changes despite the modest returns.

“You saw how tricky that was,” Cummins said. “There weren’t many 50-run partnerships throughout the whole game and of course the top order would like to score some more runs.

“When you get thrown different conditions, you’ve got to find a way to be effective. That’s a challenge for our young batting group. We back them in. Their prep leading in was excellent. The way they talk about playing is really good, so we’ve got full confidence. We have another crack at it next week.”

Sam Konstas is bowled by Shamar Joseph in the second innings in an underwhelming return to the Test side.

West Indies captain Roston Chase was asked at his post-match press conference if he thought his side had the wood on Konstas after the teenager was removed in both innings by Shamar Joseph, who took nine wickets for the match.

“I just think that our bowlers got the better of him,” Chase said. “Shamar had an outstanding spell and game, so kudos to Shamar.”

Green was in outstanding form during his recent county cricket stint in the UK, but since being shuffled up to No.3 has scored just 22 runs at an average of 5.5.

“I’m really happy with Cam,” Cummins said. “He’s obviously had a bit of a break [due to injury], but done really well in county cricket. I think he deserves a decent run at No.3.

“If you haven’t done it before, you don’t have that confidence, but Greeny doesn’t have to look too far at this level to see where he’s done well at this level.”

Australia will have a short 55-minute flight to Grenada ahead of the second Test at a ground no player in the current squad has previously played at.

“I don’t think there are any niggles from anyone, so I dare say we’ll have a full squad to choose from for the second Test,” Cummins said. “We’ll get over and have a look at conditions and make a call. Fortunately, I don’t think we need to make an S and C [strength and conditioning]-based decision.”