AUS vs WI: Brian Lara Visits West Indies Camp Ahead Of 1st Test In Adelaide

Legendary former West Indies batsman and world cricket icon, Brian Lara paid a visit to the young and inexperienced West Indies team which is set to square off against a full-strength Australian team for a 2-match Test series which starts from January 17th.

Ahead of the 1st Test in Adelaide, as per Cricket.com.au, Brian Lara came as a mentor and guide for the youngsters who will have to go through a tough test against the resilient Aussies who are both Test and ODI World Champions. Australia will enter this series on the back of a 3-0 commanding whitewash of Pakistan in the Benaud-Qadir trophy earlier this month.

The Test matches between Australia and West Indies are known as the Frank Worell Trophy and the 2024 edition will give the latter team a chance to clinch the first red-ball series win Down under since the 1992/93 series when the visitors won the 5-match series by 2-1.

But given the Australian team are likely to step out with an unchanged side at least in the bowling department, West Indies will face difficulty upstaging the hosts that too in their own backyard. The West Indies team have 7 uncapped players in their 15-man squad they announced for the series.

All of them will be looking to gain as much insight as they can from Brian Lara who is regarded as the country’s most prolific batter of all time. Lara will be present in the commentary box with Fox Cricket, covering the Test series live along with other Australian panelists.

Joshua Da Silva Claims Brian Lara’s Cricket Knowledge Is Second To None

West Indies wicket-keeper batsman Joshua Da Silva expressed his delight with the presence of Brian Lara in the camp, stating Lara’s knowledge of the game is second to none.

“The knowledge he has is second to none. What he’s done for the game, what he’s done for West Indies cricket on his own, so just to have him around, just his presence alone speaks for itself. He’s worked with everyone, he’s our mentor so he’s going to be helping everybody, bowlers and batters. He has so much experience I think everybody can learn from him.” – Joshua Da Silva said.

Meanwhile, the West Indies bowlers are going to see Usman Khawaja opening the innings with new opener Steve Smith and it will definitely be a challenge for them. Either Cameron Green or Matt Renshaw could be slotted in the number 4 or 5 position while Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh are already there.

The 1st Test will take place in the Adelaide Oval from January 25 while the 2nd Test will take place at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane.

West Indies full squad: Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Kjorn Ottley, Teddy Bishop, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Shai Hope (c and wk), Tevin Imlach (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Hayden Walsh, Matthew Forde, Oshane Thomas.