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Australia vs West Indies First Test Tips - Herculean task for the visitors

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

16 Jan 2024

Siddhu Bharadwaj 16 Jan 2024

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Australia vs West Indies First Test predictions to be played at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide starting on Wednesday January 17, Indian morning time
Australia have conceded the highest o/p in their last 2 Tests here
West Indies have posted the highest o/p in 3 of their last 4 Tests against Australia

Can West Indies give a good account of themselves? (Getty Images)

Australia vs West Indies First Test

It’s the David vs Goliath down under as World Champions Australia get ready to host old nemesis West Indies. The first of the two Test matches will be played as a day game at the Adelaide Oval from Wednesday.

Australia vs West Indies First Test
Head to Head
Australia Form
Australia Team News
West Indies Form
West Indies Team News

It is a new era for Australia at the top of their batting order, as they start life without David Warner. The presence of Steve Smith gives them an attractive option at the top, but I have a feeling West Indies have a more settled pair. I am backing the visitors to pull off a better start than their hosts.

Australia have conceded the highest o/p in 3 of their last 4 matches against West Indies (Tests)
Australia conceded the highest o/p in their last 2 matches here (Tests)
West Indies have lost 14 of their last 16 matches in Australia (Tests)
Kraigg Brathwaite averages 47.22 in Australia (Tests)

Head to Head

Australia have played West Indies in 118 Tests so far with 60 wins for the team from down under while the Islanders have won 32. One match ended as a tie while the remaining 25 ended in a draw.

It was in November – December 2022 that these sides last played when the Windies travelled to Australia. The hosts won the series 2-0 with the match in Adelaide ending in a 419-run win.

Australia Form

Australia are coming off a three-match series against Pakistan that they won 3-0. Although the scoreline doesn’t suggest the same, there were moments in the series where the Aussies were pushed to the wall.

It was a series dominated by their top-order batters and Mitch Marsh ended as their best batsman (344). The now-retired David Warner (299) was also amongst the runs.

With the ball, it was captain Pat Cummins (19) who led the show. There was support for him from Nathan Lyon (13) and Mitchell Starc (12).

Australia Team News

Australia confirmed their playing XI With Steven Smith as the new opener to partner Khawaja. Cameron Green comes into the side at four, while the rest of the team remains the same as played against Pakistan.

West Indies Form

West Indies were last seen in this format in July 2023 when they lost a two-Test series at home to India by a 1-0 margin. The second match ended in a draw due to rains.

This is a largely different side from the one that travelled to Australia last time out. They had a three-game practice game against Cricket Australia XI that ended in a draw.

There’s a lot of interest around the likes of Shamar Joseph and batter Kavem Hodge, both of whom have impressed in the practice match.

West Indies Team News

West Indies have already confirmed three debutants with Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves in the middle-order, plus the exciting fast bowler Shamar Joseph.

Australia vs West Indies First Test FAQs

Where can I watch the Australia vs West Indies First Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Australia vs West Indies First Test live stream.

What time does Australia vs West Indies First Test start?

This Australia vs West Indies First Test will be played at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide starting from January 17, Wednesday starting at 5:00am IST.

Verdict

History is not very kind on West Indies when they travel to Australia, having not won a Test here since February 1997. The odds market is justifiably heavily stacked in favour of Australia, and there’s no value in backing them for a win. Instead, I am looking at the opening market where the Windies could possibly spring a surprise. Keep an eye on the market for Pat Cummins to be Australia’s best bowler in the first innings.