Inexperienced WI take on a Robust Australia- West Indies v Australia Series Preview

Inexperienced WI take on a Robust Australia- West Indies v Australia Series Preview: Australia squares off against the West Indies in a two match test series that starts from June 3. The two cricketing giants have a long remarkable history between them that dates back as early as 1930. West Indies are no longer the super heavy weights that they were during the 1980’s whereas Australia is a major force in the international cricket scene even today. Aussies are ranked number 2 in the ICC Test Teams Ranking which speaks volumes of their consistency in test cricket while West Indies are ranked number 8 a rather unimpressive ranking for a country that once dominated world cricket.

Australia will come into this series with the confidence of a world cup triumph and had also ended up on the winning side in the last test series that they played against India. On paper, Australia look the strong favorites with West Indies looking under prepared and inexperienced. Having said that, the unpredictable home team could well resurrect itself and stun the visitors. Now let us take a look at both the squads for the test series:
West Indies Squad:

Denesh Ramdin (C), Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Kraig Brathwaite, Marlon Samuels, Rajindra Chandrika, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Jerome Taylor, Jermaine Blackwood, Veerasamy Permaul, Shane Dawrich.

Australia Squad:

Michael Clarke (C), Steve Smith (vc), Fawad Ahmed, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (WK), Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill, Adam Voges, David Warner, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc.

The West Indian batting looks a bit shaky with a lot of new players of whose potential we are unaware of. 25-year-old Rajendra Chandrika has been picked in the squad owing to his good performance in the domestic circuit. It will be interesting to see how he fits in the side and how he performs. Captain Denesh Ramdin will be expected to lead the side and put together all his experience. He is a dependable batsman and can offer stability to the batting order.

Darren Bravo the talented Brian Lara look-alike will be expected to make a statement this series. West Indies would also like Marlon Samuels to justify his reputation and bat freely. The bowling looks solid with Fast Bowler Shannon Gabriel coming in. Kemar Roach is one of the fastest bowlers in the world and he with his fiery pace can prove to be troublesome. Jason Holder has announced himself as an all-rounder, so there is a lot of expectation on the ODI captain to deliver both with the bat and ball.

Jerome Taylor with his pace and bounce is a difficult bowler to face especially with the new ball. Devendra Bishoo with his smart leg spin bowling can be handy as well. Veersamy Permaul the 25 year old former West Indies A captain has been selected in the squad as well. He with his off spin bowling can prove to be worth the selection in the team.

The Australian squad looks balanced and stable. Michael Clarke as usual will lead the test side. He missed the last test series against India, and he will be raring to get onto the cricket pitch again in the longest format. Steve Smith will be expected to carry his good form from the last test series against India where he scored over 700 runs. Shaun Marsh has had a great IPL and his presence at the top can be valuable.

David Warner has had a wonderful IPL as well where he struck 7 fifties this season. Australia will bank on his prowess and explosive batting. Shane Watson had a poor last test series against India. He will be hoping that he founds his lost touch. He is also a useful bowler. Brad Haddin the wicket keeper batsman will be anticipated to add stability to the lower middle order. Chris Rogers and Adam Voges are the new entrants for the series. Voges is an excellent limited overs player, and it will be interesting how he does in the tests. The Australian bowling attack looks very scary and deadly with the world’s best bowler at present Mitchell Starc. Mitchell Starc has been in awesome form in the past few months and he can prove to be unplayable. Mitchell Johnson has been a bit off-color, Australia will be hoping that he finds his form soon. Peter Siddle makes a comeback to the side.

Josh Hazlewood had an excellent tour against India and he is expected to cause a few problems for the West Indian batsmen. Nathan Lyon the off spinner has been selected as well. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the West Indian conditions.
Australia look the firm favorites on paper, but we never know, as is the unpredictable nature of the game, West Indies might end up as the surprise package. So we’ll wait and see who gains the upper hand when these two wonderful teams lock horns.