AUS Vs WI: Matt Renshaw And Cameron Green Included As Australia Announce Test Squad for West Indies

Cricket Australia on early Wednesday morning announced a 13-man squad that will welcome the West Indies for a 2-match Test series on home soil starting from 17th January onwards. After a long debacle about the opening pair of Usman Khawaja, CA have signaled towards a transition as they have recalled Left-hand batter Matt Renshaw and All-Rounder Cameron Green into the squad.

The series against West Indies will be the 2nd Test series of the Australian summer with at least 5 more to be played at the Land down under. The Test and ODI World champions are coming on the back of a 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, clinching the series win with a 7-wicket win at Sydney during David Warner’s farewell red-ball match.

Time to welcome the Windies.

Matt Renshaw returns to our men's national squad, with Cam Green named a certain starter for the first Test in Adelaide. pic.twitter.com/cdprTbiiyE

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 10, 2024

Since then, the biggest debate has been about the long-term replacement of David Warner up top who can be as aggressive as him. With Usman Khawaja providing stability at the other end, Australia needs someone who can start firing opposition bowling attacks and is comfortable playing the new ball.

The names of Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Cameron Green, and Steve Smith have all popped up since Warner’s farewell match. Bancroft and Green were being backed constantly and it was understood that Smith would continue at number 4 after Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald expressed their happiness in not disrupting the current order.

However, various media outlets claimed that Smith’s constant demand of pairing with Khawaja has influenced the Aussie management and they want to give it a try. Earlier today, Cricket Australia’s 13-man squad announcement had 3 names shortlisted for the opening slot.

Also Read: IPL 2024 Start Date Revealed, Tournament To Witness Games Inside India Amid General Elections- Report

Will It Be Matt Renshaw, Cam Green, Or Smith Who Pairs With Khawaja?

Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green are back in the squad and they could be in the fray to be tried out as opener. While Renshaw has mostly opened for Australia in his 14 Test appearances, Green has been a given sort of a lifeline to revive his Test career and could be backed to open to see if he can rediscover himself with many claiming that Australia are just trying to see if he can emulate the great Shane Watson.

However, they might have to slot into number 4 or will have to wait for their chance at the top. And that’s because Fox Cricket’s latest report is claiming that Steve Smith has been confirmed to open alongside Usman Khawaja against West Indies, at least for the 1st Test.

That could see Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green finding themselves in the middle order or out of the playing XI itself. Both of them also have good experience of playing at numbers 4,5 and 6 and the final decision remains to be seen. Elsewhere, the Baggy Greens have also recalled pacer Scott Boland into the squad.

Also Read: AUS vs WI: Australia Promote Steve Smith As Test Opener In Shocking Move