- July 3, 2025
Just when it looked like the West Indies had Australia sweating a bit, out comes Steve Smith—taped finger, tucked in shirt, and that familiar shuffle—back into the fold. The Aussies are about to face off against the Windies in the second Test at Grenada, and things will surely heat up. They are already in front 1-0, and with their most reliable run machine probably in the XI, things could get tougher for Daren Sammy’s men. Still, don’t write the Windies off just yet; there is fire, pace, and unfinished business.
Steve Smith’s Return: A Game-Changer for Australia
More than a batter, Steve Smith is a vivid example of batting excellence. When you are adding over 10,000 international runs to your batting line-up, you aren’t filling a hole; you are building a wall. Australia was missing Smith’s ability to create and stabilise their innings in the first Test as the top order found itself in more than one uncomfortable position.
His return to No. 4 is important not only for the runs he can score but also for the way he disrupts opposition plans. His presence alters field placements, bowling plans, and, if we are honest, the mental balance of the team. The West Indies bowlers, who executed admirably well to take 20 wickets in Barbados, now have a new challenge, one with a silly stance and a perfect cover drive.
Windies’ Wake-Up Call
If there’s one number that upset West Indies coach Daren Sammy more than losing was the seven dropped catches. Let that one sink in. Against the number-one Test side in the world, you’re just not supposed to miss out on even a single chance, let alone seven. The bowling unit showed up and rattled Australia twice in the match, but the butter fingers – the fielders who spoiled the momentum.
The Windies weren’t bad by any means. When you look at it, they went toe-to-toe with Australia for the better part of two days. Their fast bowlers looked sharp, and their batting showed, at times, some fight. But if they are going to turn these “good signs” into wins, they need to tidy up in the field – and quickly. Because if/when Steve Smith comes back into this line-up, there simply won’t be too many chances.
Australia Eyeing Series Win, Windies Playing Catch-Up
Truth be told, the result won’t change anything — it’s a dead rubber. A series victory in the Caribbean means something – prestige, a few ranking points, and potentially, some momentum. For Australia, it’s a chance to solidify their recent dominance and allow themselves a bit of breathing space before a series against tougher opposition. The West Indies face a crucial crossroads — it’s now or never. Winning this match means not only winning the series 1-1, but sends a clear message: that the return of Caribbean cricket is not just a good story, it’s a reality unfolding before us.
While the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada is typically a venue for both batters and bowlers alike, and it could be a thrilling Test if both sides turn up to the party, at this point, Australia and Smith back, look stronger, calmer, and far more ruthless.
Bringing back Steve Smith is like putting in a cheat code—he changes the whole game. But as we know, cricket is not played on paper, and the Windies have already proven they can land some punches. The real test lies in their ability to seal the deal under pressure.
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