AUS vs WI 1st Test: There comes an interesting Test series as Australia locks horns with West Indies in the first Test match. The Test will be the first for Australia after David Warner’s retirement & it will be worth watching how Aussies will fill Warner’s vacant position. After 112 Tests and 205 innings, the snarling left-handed opener has hung up his baggy green cap with an average of 44.59 and a top score of 335 not out. And finding a candidate of Warner’s caliber is truly a major task for the Australian clan.
On the other hand, West Indies have reached Australian shores with six uncapped players in their 15-member squad. The decision to add some new faces to the Test squad was taken keeping in view the Windies’ agenda of rebuilding themselves as a Test Playing Nation. Whether they find their lost mojo back or Aussie will continue their dominance? The answer will be known when Australia will take the field.
AUS vs WI 1st Test: TEAMS PREVIEW
Australia Preview
The Australian selectors faced a crucial decision – how to replace an opener with a Test batting average of 44.59? Their answer – elevate Steve Smith, with a stellar Test batting average of 58.01, to open alongside Usman Khawaja. This move injects more potency at the top of the order. The established quartet of captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon remains intact in the bowling department. Warner’s retirement and Smith’s shift up the order also provide room for all-rounder Cameron Green to play a pivotal role as the fifth bowling option.
Australia Predicted Playing XI:
Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
West Indies Preview:
West Indies enters the Adelaide Oval with six players yet to experience Test cricket. Among them, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, and Shamar Joseph are expected to make their debut. Hodge and Greaves, middle-order batting all-rounders, add depth to the squad, while Joseph, a right-arm quick, bolsters the bowling attack. The bulk of West Indies’ runs is anticipated to come from captain Kraigg Brathwaite, fellow opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and the promising Alick Athanaze.
In the bowling department, the onus will be on Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph to lead the attack. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, with an impressive start at the Test level, will look to make a significant contribution.
West Indies Predicted Playing XI:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Alick Athanaze, Joshua De Silva (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
The Adelaide Oval, renowned for hosting pink-ball Tests, is a treat for cricket enthusiasts as it hosts a red-ball Test. The pitch is expected to favor batsmen in the initial days, with scores approaching 500 in the first innings. The weather forecast indicates some cloud cover over the first two days, with temperatures not exceeding 25 degrees. However, from day three onwards, the sun is predicted to dominate, bringing plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the low thirties.
Toss: To Bat Given the expected favorable batting conditions in the early days and the potential for significant turns on days four and five, both teams are likely to prefer batting first.
Australia vs West Indies – Match Prediction:
Australia, riding on excellent Test form and boasting a squad with greater depth, is the favorite to win this encounter. While West Indies harbors hopes of starting a new era of competitiveness in Test cricket, our prediction leans towards Australia securing the victory.
The Australia vs West Indies Test match in Adelaide promises a riveting contest between two cricketing powerhouses. As the action unfolds at the historic Adelaide Oval, cricket fans worldwide will be treated to an intense battle between bat and ball. Whether Australia continues its stronghold or the West Indies scripts a remarkable turnaround, the answer will be revealed on the cricketing canvas of Adelaide. Buckle up for a Test match spectacle that is bound to keep cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats!
Also read, SL vs ZIM 1st T20I, Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe Prediction
