Steven Smith is making his comeback to the Australian Test team after recovering from a finger injury, but he’s facing an unusual experience that’s rare in his Test career.
Smith will be seen in the playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies, returning to his favorite batting position. However, there will be a notable change in his fielding role — he won’t be in his usual slip position. Smith himself admits it will feel strange.
Known as one of the best slip fielders of all time, Smith has taken incredible catches throughout his career in that position. Bowlers, whether pacers or spinners, trust him immensely when he stands next to the wicketkeeper. But in the upcoming Grenada Test, he’s unlikely to field in the slips.
Smith is one of only five Test players to have taken 200 catches without ever keeping wicket. He averages 0.896 catches per innings — the highest among the top 30 catchers in Test history — most of which came in the slip position. But his finger injury now forces him to adjust.
While he’s back to batting after two days of net practice and has earned the green light to play, he still needs to protect his finger for a few more days during fielding. Ahead of the Test, Australian captain Pat Cummins shared that Smith might still field in the slips during spin bowling but won’t take the risk during pace bowling. Cummins also joked about Smith’s fielding adjustment.
“He’s ready to play, his finger is in good shape, and he’s very happy about batting. But we’ll have to make some changes with his fielding. He probably won’t be in the slips too much. He might manage slips during spin bowling, but it could take another week before he can stand there for pace bowlers.”
“So, we might see him moving around more in the field… maybe mid-off or fine leg… we’ll see how long he can hold up at fine leg (laughs). I think he’s eager to get back in the circle (fielding positions).”
Smith himself hinted at this unusual situation a couple of days ago, saying it’s likely a new experience for him.
“The strangest thing for me will probably be fielding in front of the wicket. I don’t think I’ve ever done that in a Test match. Fielding at mid-on, mid-off, or fine leg is definitely a bit different than first or second slip.”
The Grenada Test begins on Thursday. Australia leads the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test, although their batting struggled in that game. Having Smith back is a huge relief for the team. He replaces Josh Inglis in the XI.
In his last six Tests, the 36-year-old veteran has scored four centuries and one fifty. His record against the West Indies is phenomenal: in nine Tests, he has three centuries and three fifties, amassing 872 runs at an average of 124.57. He also has a double century and an innings of 199 runs against the Caribbean side.
