In a captivating showdown between Australia and the West Indies in the first Test of 2024, the Aussies asserted their dominance, securing a commanding victory. The match showcased exceptional performances, setting the stage for an intriguing series ahead.
Furthermore, Cricket enthusiasts around a globe saw the end of an era in Australian cricket after legendry left hander batsman David Warner retires from a longest format of sport. 34 year Steve Smith one of the current greatest test match batsman was promoted to open an inning with Usman Khawaja. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were given to handle new bowl for Australia. Both Pat Cummins and Hazlewood clinch 4 wickets each helped to restrict visitor to the total of 188 in their first innings. Kirk McKenzie was the highest run scorer for West Indies.
In reply Usman Khawaja 45 runs and Travis Head brilliant knock of 119 assists Australia led by 95 runs on the first innings to the West Indies 188. Hazlewood fifer in the second innings dismissed the Caribbeans for 120 runs by the end day 2 play setting just a target of 26 to the Mighty Australia. Steve Smith 11 and Usman Khawaja 9 runs respectively easily completed the chase for Australia. Aussies, with its formidable batting and bowling lineup ended a match within 3 days of play. Travis Head was being awarded a player of the match.
On the other hand, West Indies suffers a crushing loss by a margin of 10 wickets in the first test match, team will enter the second Test with a point to prove that their is still a lot of test cricket left amongs the Caribbeans, and team form will play a pivotal role in determining the course of the match. Kirk McKenzie a Jamaican cricketer was the only batsman to touch the 50 mark whereas debutant Shamar Joseph quick 36 runs helped West Indies to a total of 188 all out in their first innings. Shamar Joseph becomes the 10th West Indian bowler to secure 5 wicket haul in test debut.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite says his bowlers did really well but the batters didn’t get enough runs. Shares it was important for few players to get the feel of Test cricket, it is important to get some experience and learn from this game. On Shamar Joseph, he stated that the Guyana bowler is full of energy, great future and can score runs as well.
The West Indies, known for their explosive batting and aggressive pace attack, will aim to capitalize on any weaknesses and try to bounce back against Australian lineup in 2nd match at Gabba.
Talking about ICC World Test Championship points tally, The island country currently stands at the penultimate position among the nine teams vying for the ICC Test Mace. West Indies has played total of 3 test matches for 2023-25 cycle where team has lost 2 out of 3 games and one match resulted draw. Whereas, Australia is leading the ICC Test Championship points table race with 66 points and 61 percent success, having secured victory in 6 out of their 9 matches.
Australia and West Indies have faced each other in 119 matches in Test. Out of these 119 games, Australia have won 61 whereas West Indies have come out victorious on 32 occasions. 25 matches ended with draw. 1 match ended with tied. In Australian condition total of 69 games were played where Aussies emerged victorious in 40 matches while West Indies managed to win 18, 10 remained draw and one tie.
Predicted XIs for Australia vs. West Indies
Australian XI: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
West Indies XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph