WI vs AUS, 2nd Test: Australia announces playing XI; Steve Smith returns
Steve Smith returns to the fold since he fractured his finger during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa earlier this month.
Marnus Labuschagne was dropped following dismal performances, while the rest of the WTC final lineup remained unchanged, with Pat Cummins leading the side against Roston Chase's West Indies.
The 36-year-old is replacing Josh Inglis in the second match of the series.
Australia Playing XI
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
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When I led in Toronto in 1999 we didn't have Sachin Tendulkar, Ajay Jadeja, Javagal Srinath, Azhar and Anil Kumble, yet we still beat a full-strength West Indies that had Courtney Walsh, Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Q. You're considered a seamer-friendly rather than a spinner-friendly captain, which is not common among Indians.A. No, not really. It depends on the surface. This year in England we played two spinners for the most part of the series. Except at Lord's, where I thought I made a mistake by playing only one spinner. I didn't expect the wicket to turn so much. It's only in the West Indies that I played one spinner - the wickets were not helpful and they had good players of spin bowling. Q. Indian captains aren't known to be as emotional or demonstrative either.A. There have been many times when emotion has got the better of me ... like after we won the NatWest Trophy final. But it is easier when your side plays well - it's always the case with captaincy. 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But the best thing he has done is to send the right vibes in the dressing room about hardwork and fitness. I honestly feel he is one man who can do a lot of good for Indian cricket. Someday somebody else will be captain and they will have another coach but I think John should still be involved with Indian cricket. He has a lot of ideas, he can help youngsters grow and become better players. Q. Captains are known to turn to books for inspiration and growth. You're not a great reader, so where do you turn?A. I'm not fond of reading, no. I draw inspiration from people I see around me. I have a lot of regard for Steve Waugh as a character, as a cricketer. He got a hundred in Sharjah under pressure and I watched every ball of his innings. I get a lot of inspiration from his career, how he conducts his to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
