The formidable Australia will look to carry their dominance in the post-David Warner era when they face West Indies in the first Test of the Frank Worrell Trophy, starting on January 17 at the Adelaide Oval.
All eyes will be on Steve Smith, who will come out as Australia’s opener for the first time in his Test career. The hosts are the overwhelming favourites, having won five of their last six Tests, including a 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan at home.
West Indies, on the other hand, have struggled in the longest format, losing four of their last five Tests, with the only draw coming against India in July 2023.
Australia have a formidable batting line-up, led by captain Pat Cummins and former skipper Steven Smith. Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head form a solid middle order, while Alex Carey will keep the wickets. The bowling attack is spearheaded by Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, with Nathan Lyon as the lone spinner.
The two teams have a rich history of rivalry, dating back to the 1960-61 series. However, in recent times, Australia have dominated the contest, winning 14 of the last 15 Tests between them. West Indies have not won a Test in Australia since 1997, and will have to defy the odds to change that record.
Australia vs West Indies 1st Test
Date – 17th January-21st January
Time – 5 AM IST
Venue – Adelaide Oval
Live Streaming – Disney+ Hotstar
Live Broadcast – Star Sports Network
Australia Squad: Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland.
West Indies Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach (wk), Akeem Jordan, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair
Editors pick
