Australia And West Indies Playing 11 for Adelaide Test Announced, Cameron Green And Steve Smith Make The Headlines

Ahead of 1st Test of a 2-match Frank Worell Trophy series between Australia and West Indies, both the teams have released and confirmed their playing XI for the opening fixture set to take place in Adelaide Oval on January 17th. Australia have welcomed all-rounder Cameron Green back to their side while the visitors have named an inexperienced youthful squad led by Kraigg Brathwaite.

The hosts led by pacer Pat Cummins have a new opening pair in place as Steve Smith after constantly expressing his desire to go on and face the new ball has been given the nod to open alongside Test regular Usman Khawaja. This new partnership up top will be implemented for the first time in many years after the retirement of David Warner from the format.

He retired from Test cricket after Australia completed yet another 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan in Sydney and names like Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green, and Marcus Harris were thrown into the mix to replace Warner. However, after internal discussion within the Aussie management, Steve Smith will be given a chance at last, ending all speculations regarding a new name.

Elsewhere for the hosts, Cameron Green will be returning to the side for the first time since July 2023. His last appearance in whites had come during the 4th Test of the Ashes in Manchester last year. Cam Green is most likely to be slotted into the middle order along with Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey.

Despite his selection, Matt Renshaw doesn’t find himself in the playing XI, and other than Green’s inclusion, the Australian XI remains the same.

As for West Indies, 3 players – middle-order batters Kavem Hodge & Justin Greaves and pacer Shamar Joseph are set to earn their debut caps. They will be looking to win their first Test series against the Aussies since 1992/93, which was also the last time they earned a 2-1 victory at the Land down under.

West Indies are without 2 of their main players Jason Holder and Kyle Mayer who are busy playing in T20 franchise leagues around the world. Their middle order has to be their strongest link with Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, and Joshua Da Silva being infused with a few debutants.

Their bowling line-up consists of Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph (D), and the experienced Kemar Roach. Last summer they had endured a 2-0 loss in their Australian visit and this time around with an even stronger Aussie side up front, a similar result could be expected.

Check Out The Playing XI Of Australia And West Indies For Adelaide Test

Australia XI: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.

West Indies XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, have Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Kemar Roach.

It will be a tough task for West Indies to upset the mighty Australians who are currently the reigning Test and ODI champions. The 1st Test will start on January 17 while the 2nd Test is slated to take place on January 25 after which the two teams will play a 3-match ODI and T20I series.