Australia and West Indies have announced their playing XIs for the first Test of their two-match series at Adelaide Oval, commencing on Wednesday, January 17.
For the first Test, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has included three new players. Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, and Shamar Joseph are set to make their Test debut in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, Australian captain Pat Cummins has affirmed the inclusion of all-rounder Cameron Green in the squad for the first Test against West Indies.
Following David Warner's retirement and Steve Smith's decision to open the innings, Green, with an impressive first-class average of 65 at Number 4, can now play in his preferred position. This reshaped Australian team offers an extra bowling alternative.
This strategic decision is intended to distribute the workload more evenly among key players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Captain Cummins, all of whom played crucial roles in the Test series against Pakistan.
As for the visiting team, the Barbadian right-arm pacer, Greaves, is set to play a key role. Despite having a commendable first-class bowling record with an average of 22.76, he is anticipated to make a more substantial contribution with the bat.
Hodge, with a first-class average just below 30, will bear the additional responsibility of supporting Gudakesh Motie with his left-arm orthodox spin.
Having secured two top-order wickets in their recent tour match at Karen Rolton Oval, Shamar is eager to deliver a strong performance against Australia as the West Indies strive to secure their first Test victory down under since 1997.
Starting XIs for Adelaide Test
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.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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