Australia and West Indies named their playing XIs for the first Test match of the series to be played at Adelaide Oval from 17th January onwards. These two matches are a part of the ICC 2023-25 Test championship cycle.
Australia is currently at the number 1 position in the points table of the Test championship and would look to consolidate their place. On the other hand, West Indies would look to put on an excellent display against the mighty Australian team in their den. Last time, West Indies were completely outplayed in the 2022 Test series losing by 164 runs at Perth and losing by massive 419 runs at Adelaide Oval.
The Australian team will see Steve Smith open the innings with Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Alex Carey would be the middle-order batters. Pat Cummins would lead the side along with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as the pace bowling options. Nathan Lyon will be the only genuine spin-bowling option.
Australia will be high on confidence after whitewashing Pakistan 3-0 at home. They would look to continue their dominating run at home.
On the other hand, West Indies would be captained by Kraigg Braithwaite. Braithwaite would open the innings along with Tangerine Chanderpaul. Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, and Joshua Da Silva would comprise middle-order batters.
Alazzari Jospeh, Shamar Jospeh, and Kemar Roach would be the pace bowling options in playing XI. Gudakesh Motie will be the only spin bowling option. Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, and Shamar Joseph will be making their Test debuts.
It will be a tough ask for the West Indies team to challenge Australia on Australian soil in the first encounter. There would be some initial movement for pacers before it becomes a good batting pitch.
Here we look at the playing XI for the 1st Test Between Australia and West Indies
Australia
Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
West Indies
Kraigg Braithwaite (C), Tangerine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Alazzari Jospeh, Shamar Jospeh.
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