Having had their success against Pakistan, Australia are scheduled to lock horns with West Indies in the two-match Test series, beginning January 17 with the first match at Adelaide Oval. The upcoming Test match between Australia and West Indies is already generating significant amount of curiosity. The most notable development ahead of this clash is the decision by the Australian team management to promote Steve Smith to open the batting, filling the void left by the retiring David Warner. Smith had floated his name to open the batting for Australia that the management agreed for. 

Pat Cummins will be leading Australia after having made his unavailability in the last two games at Adelaide. Australia would hope to clinch the series 2-0, having already secured 3-0 win in the series against Pakistan recently. Australia’s batting and bowling has been unrelenting with the likes of Mitchell Stars, Josh Hazlewood and skipper Cummins himself. Mitchell Marsh has been one of the most impactful performers for Australia and would give a huge boost in the series against West Indies. 

West Indies, on the other hand, have handed three debuts coming into this series. Kraigg Brathwaite will be leading West Indies in a series that will be a huge test for them against raging Australia. Leading up to this series, West Indies have played three test series previously. West Indies played against Zimbabwe, South Africa and India. West Indies won against Zimbabwe, lost against South Africa and India. They are hoping to break the 21-year-long record of not having beaten Australia in Tests. Ahead of the first Test, both teams also confirmed their playing XI for the first Test. 

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