Follow UsAustralia have named their playing XI for the first Test of the three-Test series against West Indies, and it’s a new look XI for the World Test Championship finalists who missed the chance of being back-to-back champions.
In the final, they played Steven Smith at his usual position of number four; however, Marnus Labuschagne opened the batting and all-rounder Cameron Green batted at number three. However, Labuschagne has been dropped due to his poor run of form lately, and the young rising star Sam Konstas will now open the innings with Usman Khawaja.
Meanwhile, Smith, who injured his finger while fielding at slips in the WTC final, has been replaced by Josh Inglis, who is slotted to bat at number four. Green will continue to bat at number three.
The other pace-bowling all-rounder, Beau Webster, has maintained his place in the side. The bowling attack remains the same with skipper Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon as the sole spinner.
West Indies Begin New Era Under Roston Chase
Windies also named their XI for the first Test, with Roston Chase leading the side. The two big changes in the team are left-hander John Campbell, who is returning after a doping-related ban, and premier white-ball batter Shai Hope. Hope is slotted to bat at number six in the batting lineup, and will also keep the wickets as Joshua da Silva has been dropped.
Jomel Warrican is playing as the sole specialist spinner in the bowling line-up, with skipper Chase assisting him with his off-spin. Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph make up the pace attack.
The first Test starts June 25 in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c ), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
West Indies Playing XI: Kraig Braithwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c ), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph