Australia’s announce playing XI for first Test against West Indies

Australia is all set to host West Indies for a two-match Test series starting November 30 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Ahead of the first contest, Australian skipper Pat Cummins revealed the playing combination of his side that will take on West Indies on these shores for the first time in seven years. While the Australian lineup looks strong, one name that missed out was Scott Boland.

Boland, who was the match hero for Australia during the Ashes this year, has been left out of the starting lineup as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and skipper Pat Cummins complete Australia’s three-man pace attack. Apart from Boland’s exclusion, Australia have not made any major changes to their playing combination as compared to the lineup that competed against Sri Lanka in their previous Test.

“You probably could have picked it 12 months ago. Everyone has done well to get them fit and firing for this series and we’re in a really good place. Easy decision,” Cummins was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia.

After Australia’s disheartening loss to Sri Lanka in Galle in July, veteran seamer Josh Hazlewood made his way back into the lineup, replacing backup spinner Mitchell Swepson. In that game, Swepson recorded figures of 3/103, however, the 29-year-old was not included in the squad for the West Indies series because Australia went back to their regular composition of three seamers and one spinner.

Australia aim to confirm World Test Championship finale spot

Seasoned opening batters David Warner and Usman Khawaja hold their spot at the top of the order, but left-hander Marcus Harris isn’t chosen despite being recalled to the team for the series. In order for Australia to have a chance of making it to the World Test Championship final the following year, they must win the series against the West Indies.

Cummins’ team presently leads the rankings ahead of a tough schedule. After the West Indies series, Australia will host South Africa for three Test matches at home towards the end of the year before traveling to India for a four-match Test series that might determine their World Test Championship fate.

Australia XI to play West Indies: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon