Cameron Green returns for Australia, West Indies announce three debutants

adelaide (Uttam Hindu News): Australia and West Indies have announced their playing eleven for the opening match of the Test series to be held in Adelaide. Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Cameron Green will return and Steve Smith will open the batting, starting a new chapter in his career.

Smith’s role changed when he claimed the opening opportunity, leaving the No. 4 spot to the returning Cameron Green, who was previously ranked No. 6. Green admitted feeling “a bit of a rush” at No. 6 and is now ready to reclaim the No. 4 position, where he excelled in the Marsh Sheffield Shield for Western Australia.

This strategic move not only addresses the void left by Warner’s retirement but also strengthens Australia’s batting order. With both Green and Mitch Marsh in the team, Cummins finds himself with a surplus of bowling options, providing a well-balanced team for the Test series.

On the West Indies side, captain Kraigg Brathwaite revealed the inclusion of three debutants: Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves and Shamar Joseph. The absence of key all-rounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers, who are participating in the T20 league, as well as fast bowler Jaden Seales being sidelined with a shoulder concern, has prompted the Windies to introduce fresh talent.

Hailing from a remote village in Central Guyana, Shamar Joseph impressed the selectors with his ability with the ball in a recent tour match. Experienced players like Hodge and Greaves, both 29, bring first-class level expertise to the West Indies lineup.

The advice of Caribbean legend Brian Lara in the nets and the guidance of former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait as his coach have added valuable perspectives to the Windies camp. As West Indies aim to end a nearly 21-year Test win drought against Australia and secure their first win since 1997, Brathwaite insisted his team will not be mere pushovers.

The Windies, fortified and supported by a mix of experienced players and promising debutants, are off to a competitive start to the Test series, setting the stage for an interesting encounter in Adelaide.

Playing XI:

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Tegnarain Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanase, Kvam Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua da Silva (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Gudakesh Moti, Shamar Joseph