Steve Smith returns from injury for second West Indies Test in Grenada

Just 20 days after suffering a nasty compound dislocation of his finger, Steve Smith is set to return for Australia's second Test against the West Indies.

The star batter could not take any further part in the World Test Championship final at Lord's after being forced to hospital following a nasty incident in the field on day three.

But Smith avoided surgery, instead wearing a splint on his right little finger while it heals.

The 36-year-old spent time at his second home in New York after the WTC defeat in London, before flying to join his teammates in the Caribbean.

Smith batted in the nets for the first time on Tuesday in a clear sign he was desperate to return for the match at Grenada's National Stadium.

"Anytime you add 10,000 runs back into the line-up, you're going to be pretty happy with it," wicketkeeper Alex Carey told reporters about Smith's looming inclusion.

"He seems pretty confident, so he's excited to get back in.

"It's been tough at the top of the order, so to add a little bit more experience is good for the group, but I think they've [been] doing a pretty good job."

Josh Inglis, who batted at number four in the first Test and was dismissed playing ordinary shots for 5 and 12, will almost certainly make way if Smith returns.

Sam Konstas was bossed by Windies spearhead Shamar Joseph, but Australia are determined to give the teenage opener an extended run.

Sam Konstas struggled in Barbados. (AP: Ricardo Mazalan)

Cameron Green also struggled in his second straight Test at number three, but is in a similar position to Konstas and will not be dropped.

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If Smith plays, he will likely be forced to field in an unfamiliar position to protect his finger.

One of Australia's greatest fielders, Smith might be forced out of the slips cordon to mid-off or fine leg.

When he dislocated his finger against South Africa, Smith was standing at a close slip with a helmet on due to many edges in the WTC final not carrying.

But the one edge that did carry travelled like a bullet, damaging Smith's finger and leaving the Proteas in the box seat to pull off the upset victory.

Australia will retain the Frank Worrell Trophy, which they have held since 1995, if they back up their 159-run win in the first Test.

Joseph caused Australia dramas in Bridgetown by taking nine wickets, backing up his match-winning heroics from the Gabba in January 2024.

AAP

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