### Steve Smith's Remarkable Comeback: A Quick Recovery from Injury Steve Smith, the Australian cricket star, is set to make his return to the playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies after a swift recovery from a dislocated finger. Initially injured during the World Test Championship final, Smith's return is a significant boost for the Australian team, especially as they play in Grenada for the first time in Test cricket history. His comeback comes at the expense of Josh Inglis, who struggled in the first Test, scoring only 5 and 12 runs [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/03/steve-smith-returns-for-second-west-indies-test-josh-inglis-cricket][https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/wi-vs-aus-2nd-test-steve-smith-finger-injury-slip-cordon-2749880-2025-07-03]. ### Structure of the Summary 1. **Injury Background** - Smith dislocated his right little finger during the World Test Championship final against South Africa [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/fit-again-smith-returns-for-as-aus-announce-team-for-2nd-test-vs-wi/20250703.htm]. - He was expected to wear a splint for five weeks, raising concerns about his participation in the series [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australias-smith-return-confirmed-second-test-v-windies-5217566]. 2. **Return to the Team** - Captain Pat Cummins confirmed Smith's readiness to play, indicating he would bat at number four [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/australias-smith-return-confirmed-for-second-test-v-windies]. - Smith's return is crucial as Australia aims for a series sweep against the West Indies [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/wi-vs-aus-steve-smith-returns-as-australia-eye-series-sweep-in-grenada-josh-inglis-makes-way/articleshow/122217512.cms]. 3. **Impact on Team Dynamics** - Josh Inglis, who performed poorly in the first Test, will be replaced by Smith, highlighting the importance of experience in the lineup [https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/cricket/385450/smith-back-for-second-windies-test-after]. - Smith's absence in the slip cordon will be felt, as he is known for his exceptional fielding skills [https://www.republicworld.com/sports/cricket/steve-smith-set-to-return-in-restricted-capacity-for-australia-in-2nd-test-against-west-indies-batter-to-sidestep-from-slip-duties]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline** - Smith's injury occurred on June 24 during the World Test Championship final [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/news/smith-back-second-west-indies-test-after-dislocated-finger-3931396]. - His recovery was quicker than anticipated, allowing him to return for the second Test starting July 3 [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/steve-smith-returns-as-australia-announce-playing-xi-for-second-test-against-west-indies-7921565]. - **Performance Metrics** - Josh Inglis's scores in the first Test: 5 and 12 [https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/9007495/inglis-makes-way-as-aussie-star-returns-for-second-test]. - Smith's historical performance against the West Indies enhances his value to the team [https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/wi-vs-aus-2025-steve-smith-replaces-josh-inglis-as-australia-announce-xi-for-grenada-test/?amp=1]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Advantage for Australia **Steve Smith's return is a pivotal moment for the Australian cricket team as they face the West Indies in Grenada.** 1. **Injury Recovery**: Smith's quick recovery from a dislocated finger has allowed him to rejoin the team sooner than expected. 2. **Team Composition**: His inclusion replaces Josh Inglis, who underperformed in the first Test, thereby strengthening the batting order. 3. **Fielding Adjustments**: While Smith will not field in the slips due to his injury, his batting prowess remains a significant asset. Overall, Smith's comeback not only boosts the team's morale but also enhances their chances of securing a series victory against the West Indies [https://www.india.com/sports/steve-smith-returns-from-injury-as-australia-announce-playing-xi-for-second-test-against-west-indies-7921565].