Australia have confirmed their playing XI for the second Test against West Indies in Grenada, with Steve Smith making a much-anticipated return to the side. Smith, who missed the opening Test in Barbados due to a dislocated finger sustained during the World Test Championship final, has recovered after passing all fitness tests and rejoined the squad earlier this week. His inclusion is seen as a significant boost to Australia’s top order, which struggled in his absence, and he will slot back into his familiar number four position.

The only change to the Australian lineup sees Smith replace wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis, who managed scores of 5 and 12 in the first Test. The selectors have retained teenager Sam Konstas as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner, while Cameron Green continues at number three despite a modest showing in the previous match. The rest of the batting order remains unchanged, with Travis Head, Beau Webster, and Alex Carey forming the middle and lower order. Pat Cummins leads the side, supported by the experienced pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon as the primary spinner.

Smith’s return comes with some adjustments to his fielding duties. Due to the lingering effects of his finger injury, he is expected to avoid the slip cordon for fast bowlers, a position where he has been a mainstay for years. Instead, Smith may be stationed at mid-off or fine leg, though he could still field close for spin. This precaution is aimed at managing his recovery and ensuring he does not aggravate the injury, with the team management confident that his batting will not be affected.

Australia enter the second Test with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, having secured a 159-run victory in Barbados. The team’s focus is on maintaining momentum and sealing the series, while the West Indies look to bounce back on home soil. The match is being played at the National Cricket Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada, where conditions are expected to favor both pace and spin as the game progresses.