Steve Smith and Cameron Green grind out fifties to put Australia on top against West Indies

Half-centuries from Steve Smith and Cameron Green have ensured the West Indies will be set a challenging fourth innings chase in Grenada.

Cameron Green is hoping to bowl in the Sheffield Shield and potentially in one-day internationals against India ahead of the Ashes as the all-rounder insisted his confidence had not been shaken by criticism of his suitability to bat at No. 3 in Test cricket.

The West Australian played comfortably his most substantial innings since returning to the international arena last month with a dogged 52 to help steady Australia in the second Test at Grenada.

His half-century, along with 71 from Steve Smith, helped the Aussies to 7-221 in their second innings at stumps on day three at the National Cricket Stadium, a lead of 254 on a wicket whose variable bounce had made batting tough.

Green entered this match having not passed 15 across four innings since being elevated to No. 3 for the World Test Championship final against South Africa, which was his first Test in 15 months following back surgery last year. He made 26 in the first innings at St George’s, but was criticised for the manner of his dismissal on the stroke of lunch on day one.

Several former players had suggested in recent weeks that Green was not up to it at first drop, but the man himself said the commentary had not seeped into his consciousness.

“I don’t read anything, so I’ve got no idea what’s going on,” Green said.

“But no, I understand. I think you know when you’re playing that there’s runs that need to be made…certainly batting up the order for Australia. I think that’s what we all love. We love to be out there making runs. It’s a tough game. So being able to bounce back from tough times is equally as important. So yeah, there’s obviously good signs out there.”

Green has been gradually building his bowling loads with stand-in Australian bowling coach Adam Griffith in the nets. He said he was optimistic that he would be back bowling in matches ahead of the first Ashes Test on November 21.

“Going really well. I’ve certainly had enough rest, so my back’s not an issue. I think it’s more getting loads up now. I can’t tell you definitely when that might be happening, but it’ll be a steady progression, and hopefully a couple of the Shield games, potentially one-dayers (against) India (in October). But yeah, these are all pretty far away. So yeah, wait and see.”

Smith looked a class above the rest of the batters in the match before falling lbw to Justin Greaves in what was the former skipper’s return match after missing the first Test with a compound dislocation of his right little finger.

“My first ball actually hit me straight on the finger, so it wasn’t ideal. It feels alright It’s that kind of wicket, some can just shoot up a little bit and you might have to take a few on the hands at stages,” Smith told ESPN.

“I think we’re in a nice spot. I don’t think the wicket is going to get any better to bat. There will probably be a few more tricks, particularly with the newer ball.

“Hopefully we can get up somewhere around 300.”

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