SYDNEY: Leading up to the inaugural Test in Adelaide scheduled for Wednesday, both Australia and the West Indies have unveiled their respective squads. Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, has officially announced the inclusion of Cameron Green, while West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite has named three players set to make their Test debuts.
Among the debutants are Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves, who have earned their Test caps. Additionally, Shamar Joseph, who showcased an impressive performance in the side’s recent tour match against the Cricket Australia XI, will also make his Test debut.
With the retirement of David Warner, Steve Smith’s desire to open the batting has been fulfilled. Consequently, Cameron Green, boasting an impressive First-Class average of 65 at No.4, will assume his preferred batting position.
Playing XIs
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach
The revamped lineup offers Australia an additional bowling alternative, potentially allowing the management of prominent figures such as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Cummins himself, all of whom played crucial roles in the Test series against Pakistan.
As for the visiting team, Barbados’ right-arm seamer Greaves boasts an impressive First Class bowling record with an average of 22.76. However, he is expected to contribute more with the bat. Hodge, maintaining a First Class average just below 30, is entrusted with a similar role, adding his left-arm orthodox to complement Gudakesh Motie.
There is a buzz surrounding Shamar Joseph (unrelated to fellow team member Alzarri), who secured two top-order wickets in their recent tour outing at Karen Rolton Oval.
The teams play two Tests as part of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle, before three ODIs and three T20Is.
Australia Test Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head (vc), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc
West Indies Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie
Tour Itinerary
First Test: January 17-21, Adelaide
Second Test: January 25-29, Brisbane
First ODI: February 2, Melbourne
Second ODI: February 4, Sydney
Third ODI: February 6, Canberra
First T20I: February 9, Hobart
Second T20I: February 11, Adelaide
Third T20I: February 13, Perth
