Warrican: Smith’s absence no advantage for Windies

West Indies vice-captain Jomel Warrican isn’t heartened by the news that Australia will be without their world class batsman Steve Smith when the opening Test match between the two teams bowls off here next Wednesday.

News broke on Thursday that the 36-year-old Smith will miss the first Test at Kensington Oval after sustaining a finger injury in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa last week.

However, it is hoped that Smith, who averages a remarkable 56.55 in 117 Test matches...