Australia vs West Indies, 1st Test 2024: Match preview, playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV & Live Streaming Details

David Warner’s retirement marked the end of an era in Australian cricket. His grit, tenacity, short-arm jabs, fighting spirit, and most importantly, self-belief are something that cannot be replaced, even if it’s Steven Smith who is slated to take up the opener role. More than an opportunity, it’ll be a challenge for Smith, even though he is considered to be one of the modern-day greats. 

However, legends are known for doing legendary stuff. If it’s someone who can conquer the unthinkable, it’s Smith. For the majority part of his career, the 34-year-old batted in the middle order but when an opportunity arrived, he put his hand up and asked the management to trust him with the role. He was not in the reckoning for the majority period, as Cameron Green seemed to be the favorite, but given his commitment and desire, the team management finally signaled the green light.

Over the years, a lot of former cricketers narrated how they wanted to bat in the middle order in Test cricket as the challenge of facing the new red ball is considered to be the toughest job in cricket. However, Smith being Smith, he is ready for the role, ready for the challenge, and is now ready to prove himself as an opener.

With Smith opening, Green is set to make his return in the upcoming two-match series against West Indies, which is slated to begin on January 17. The youngster had been waiting in the wings for a long time now as the opportunity has finally arrived for him to take the next step in his career.

When it comes to West Indies, seven uncapped players have been named in the squad. It has been the case for the Caribbeans for a long time now as the majority of the players have expressed their desire to play only T20 cricket. Skipper Kriagg Braithwaite understands the challenge and is ready to bring a new era to West Indies cricket.

For an inexperienced side, the challenge is massive. Nevertheless, they have defeated England in 2019 and 2021 and can repeat their heroics. All they need is to remain patient and play to their merit.

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report and Conditions

Adelaide Oval will massively assist the batters. The ball will start spinning from Day 4 but ahead of that, the bowlers will barely get any kind of assistance. Batting first will be the obvious choice.

AUS vs WI  Probable Playing XI, West Indies Tour of Australia

Australia (AUS)

Cameron Green for David Warner is the only change that Australia will be making in the first Test. The focus will be on the new opening pair, as Smith will play his first match as an opener while Khawaja has failed to convert his starts in the recent past.

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

West Indies (WI)

West Indies have named three debutants in the coming match. Among so many new cricketers, Brathwaite, Chanderpaul, McKenzie, and Athanze will be key with the bat.

Predicted XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

AUS vs WI Head-to-Head Records in Test:

AUS vs WI First Test: Broadcast details: