For the first Test against the West Indies, Australia has released their starting lineup. A man is bowling at 150 kph, trying to rip the fingers off your arms or probably worse, according to former Australian cricketer Justin Langer. Your blood starts to flow and your adrenaline starts to pump. You're engaged in combat. And to me, that's the essence of Test cricket. Although perhaps not for the best reasons, the former Australia head coach is still making headlines. Some believe that Pat Cummins' remark on the team's lack of cowards on the eve of the first Test match against the West Indies was intended as a subtle jab at the previous coach.
The format they enjoy the most is possibly back in the mix amid all this drama following the hosts' already disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The fact is something you already know. Enough with the white-ball formats that crash, bang, and wallop. The Australian summer begins at Optus Stadium in Perth with this two-match Test series, so it's time for the red ball to prove its mettle.
Due to the amount of cricket played recently, it would be easy to forget the Australians lost their most recent Test match in Galle. The Baggy Green's were back in action with a settled side, so the outcome as anticipated didn't raise any red flags. A day before the game, they announced their starting eleven. The opening pair of David Warner and Usman Khawaja have been given the responsibility of bringing their experience and class to the table in the absence of Marnus Labuschagne. A special attention will be paid to a certain Steve Smith, who has shown signs of being able to regain his fluid best in the recent series against England, which has shown signs of regaining his fluid best.
Also in the bowling department, there are no surprises. It will be expected that the pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc will conduct themselves as usual. The likes of Travis Head and Cameron Green could be useful options if and when needed, with Nathan Lyon doing his part as a spinner. Overall, the hosts are a well-rounded team that will undoubtedly begin this series as the favorites.
On the contrary, the West Indies have been left to try and come up with solutions to try and return to the ways of the glorious past. Something that Phil Simmons, their head coach, is obviously somewhat knowledgeable about. The decision to end his tenure as the team's head coach came after a disappointing first-round exit from the T20 World Cup, but this series is expected to be his last.
To take on a new challenge in Australia, only Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Alzarri Joseph are returning from that T20I team. It's fair to say that they'll want to have happier memories to take with them this time. Jayden Seales and Kemar Roach make up the rest of the bowling team, bringing a nice mix of experience and youthful exuberance to the side.
In 2003, when they were in Antigua chasing a world record total, West Indies last defeated Australia in a Test match. Shivnarine Chanderpaul was the player of the game on that particular occasion. On his Test debut against the formidable Australians, his son Tagenarine Chanderpaul will take center stage 19 years later. The 26-year-old entered the game after scoring 119 and 56 against the Prime Minister's XI in the practice match. During the practice match against the Prime Minister's XI, the 26-year-old scored 119 and 56 runs.
With their half-centuries, Kraigg Brathwaite, Joshua Da Silva and Devon Thomas helped hold the West Indies in check during that match. However, in order for the all-rounders to perform as needed, the likes of Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, and Raymon Reifer—experienced names—will need to pull their weight as well.
The last time these two teams played each other in the game's longest format was seven years ago. It's time for new heroes to emerge in this rivalry, which has a rich history of legends from its illustrious past. The West Indies have a chance to accomplish something greater even though Australia may be the series favorites. They have a chance to take the helm in bringing back the game for their cricket-obsessed Calypso nation. The Optus Stadium's pitch should definitely spice things up if they aren't already.
Australia - Alex Carey, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, David Warner, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith.
West Indies - Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kyle Mayers, Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Kemar Roach, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Devon Thomas.
West Indies tour of Australia Test 2022 happened at Perth Stadium currently known as Optus Stadium in Burswood, Australia