Australia and West Indies name their playing XI for the first test match in Adelaide

First test of the two-match test series between Australia and West Indies will begin on 17th January, 2024.

Australia will begin the two match test series against West Indies on Wednesday. Australia will be resuming their test post-David Warner era as former Australian opener David Warner announced his retirement from test and ODI cricket. Warner played his final test against Pakistan in Sydney. Australia will be going ahead with a new opening duo at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

Australian team management have decided to try out Steve Smith as David Warner’s replacement in the opening slot. Right-hand batter Steve Smith will be coming out to open the batting along with left-hand batter Usman Khawaja. Steve Smith will be playing his first test as an opener. Smith playing at number 4 position in the batting-order.

Steve Smith to open, Cameron Green at number 4

Australia skipper Pat Cummins confirmed that Smith’s elevation in the batting-order will give Cameron Green an opportunity to bat at number 4. Green will be making his comeback in Australian playing XI as David Warner’s place was vacant. Australia will be fielding a full-strength squad. West Indies named three debutants in their playing XI.

West Indian skipper Kraigg Bathwaite informed that right hand batter Kavem Hodge will be making his debut along with All-rounder Justin Greaves and pacer Shamar Joseph. These three names did a magnificent job for Caribbean side in the warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI at Karon Rolton Oval in Adelaide.

Australia will be playing two test matches against West Indies. The first test match will begin on Wednesday at Adelaide oval in Adelaide. The second test will be played at Gabba in Brisbane. Second test will begin on 25th January. Australia and West Indies will play three-match ODI and T20I series as well after the test series concludes. The test series will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.

Australia Playing XI: 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 Playing XI: 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

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