Steve Smith Returns Australia Playing XI Second West Indies Test Grenada

Steve Smith will make a swift return to the Australian Test cricket team just 20 days after suffering a compound dislocation of his right little finger in the ICC World Test Championship final. He will replace Josh Inglis at number four in the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada, with captain Pat Cummins confirming Smith is fit to bat, though his fielding will be managed to avoid the slips for fast bowlers. Smith will field in positions such as mid-on, mid-off, or fine leg rather than his usual slip cordon due to the injury, wearing a splint for five weeks while he continues recovery. Australia, leading the three-match series 1-0 after a 159-run victory in the first Test, have kept the rest of their playing XI unchanged, including openers Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas and the bowling attack of Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins. The West Indies have made no changes, with veteran opener Kraigg Brathwaite poised to play his 100th Test. Australia aims to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, held since 1995, by backing up their initial win with a strong performance in Grenada.