Australia and the West Indies have both revealed their lineups for the eagerly awaited first Test, which is scheduled to take place in Adelaide on January 17. This is a huge move.
Following David Warner‘s retirement, Australian captain Pat Cummins has announced that Cameron Green will rejoin the team and occupy the vital No. 4 position. Interestingly, Steven Smith, who is eager to take on the position of a Test opener, is starting over with this.
Australia XI: Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Usman Khawaja
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has disclosed that the team will be making three debuts in the opening Test. The recruits include Shamar Joseph, a rising fast bowler, and the middle-order tandem of Justin Greaves and Kavem Hodge.
West Indies XI: Joshua Da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, and Kraigg Brathwaite (c).
The selection of Smith to open the batting, a role vacant following Warner’s retirement, is one of the noteworthy choices in the Australian lineup. The selectors’ calculated action attempts to maximize the team’s batting sequence and offer consistency at the top. Green is ready to flourish at No. 4, displaying his potential as a vital member of the team’s middle order. At No. 6, he seemed a little rushed.
West Indies’ enthusiastic preparation is fueled by Shaun Tait’s tutoring and Brian Lara’s mentoring.
On the other side, the unavailability of vital all-rounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers presents difficulties for the West Indies, who are keen to bounce back from their 2-0 loss in Australia last summer. But the addition of rookies, such as the exciting Shamar Joseph, gives the side new life. The West Indies are preparing for an exciting show, with coaching direction from Shaun Tait and tutelage from the great Brian Lara.