The Australian summer of cricket continues on Wednesday, with a two-test series between Australia and the West Indies kicking off in Adelaide.
It’s been a fruitful season so far for the World Test Champions, and they will be keen to complete a home test clean sweep against a West Indies side lacking experience and form.
Josh Nevett takes a close look at the contest with his free preview and cricket betting tips below.
Australia vs West Indies 1st Test Preview & Betting Tips
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Wednesday January 17th, 10:30am (AEDT)
Squads
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie
Match Preview
Australia couldn’t have asked for a better summer so far, having defeated Pakistan 3-0 in a hotly contested series.
The series scoreline doesn’t necessarily convey the closeness of the matches – Pakistan played themselves into winning positions in both the second and third tests, but could not capitalise under pressure.
Australia’s triumph was made even more impressive by the fact that several big names underperformed – Travis Head averaged just 16 with the bat, while Smith and Labuschagne were also below their best.
Instead, it was Mitch Marsh and Pat Cummins who stole the show – Marsh scored 344 runs at an average of 86, while captain Cummins took 19 wickets averaging 12.
As a result of their dominance, the Aussies remain the top ranked test team in the world, and they will take on the West Indies with a similar XI.
David Warner’s retirement has resulted in a reshuffle of the top order with Smith taking on the openers role, freeing up the number four position for Cameron Green.
Aside from that, the bowling unit will likely be unchanged, so expect more strong performances.
From a West Indies perspective, this is an intimidating tour, and recent history doesn’t allay those fears.
The men from the Caribbean lost 2-0 to Australia last summer, and this time around they have selected a squad including seven uncapped players, leaving just a few experienced heads to show the way.
Kraigg Brathwaite, Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach are all familiar with Australian conditions, but it could take a moment for the younger members of the squad to acclimatise.
The five-day format will also pose a challenge, as the West Indies have not played a test since July.
Furthermore, they have not beaten Australia in tests for 20 years.
As such, it could be tough going for the eighth ranked test nation, who will surely lose the series opener in Adelaide.
Prop Bets
Cummins has been matched up against Kemar Roach in this bowlers market, and I think the Aussie captain is great value. Against Pakistan, Cummins took 19 wickets in just three matches including three 5-fa’s, while experience quick Roach averages over 90 on Australian soil.
Bowler 1st Inns Match Bet 1 – Patrick Cummins $1.83 (Ladbrokes)
Marsh was Australia’s best batter against Pakistan, hitting 344 runs from five innings. The attacking right-hander did not drop below 41 and cleared 90 twice, so he should fare well on a flat track in Adelaide against lesser opposition.
Mitch Marsh Over 31.5 1st Innings Runs – $1.83 (Ladbrokes)
