AUS vs WI, 1st Test: Preview, Prediction and Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
All eyes will be on Steve Smith [Source: Twitter]
This rivalry dates back to the 1970s when a spark of intimidation gave birth to the fire of ruthlessness, which not only incinerated the arrogance of the Australian fans, chanting "Lillee, Lillee, Kill! Kill!" but also lit the cricket world through its four best-ever flag bearers.
Moreover, it's a battle between two sides that wear their respective brands of cricket proudly as a badge and refuse to give up.
It's finally time for the Australian home summer, which kicks off with a bang, as West Indies have arrived at the Australian shores to lock horns with the hosts in a two-match Test series starting on Wednesday.
Team Preview: West Indies
The West Indies, who once used to rule during their golden era, last won a Test Down Under in 1997. Furthermore, they have lost 12 of 14 games since then, thus failing to replicate the same success level as their forefathers. The last time the Caribbean Men toured Australia in 2015, they were handed a two-nil drubbing by the hosts.
However, their Test performance evolved in Jason Holder's captaincy stint, during which they sealed some famous victories, especially on home soil. They have come with a more balanced squad, which is why we expect them to give the Aussies a run for their money in the series.
The onus will be on the likes of Kraigg Brathwaite, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph and Jermain Blackwood. At the same time, the spectators will be keen to see glimpses of Shivnarine Chanderpaul in his son Tagenarine, who will make his debut.
Team Preview: Australia
On the other hand, Australia have indirectly stated that they will play with a 'no-nonsense' approach, deciding to field their strongest eleven in this match.
However, the Perth crowd might be non-cooperative with the hosts due to the home boy Justin Langer's recent bombshell revelation about backstabbing by the team players during his coaching tenure.
So, it will be interesting to see how Pat Cummins and co. deal with the twin challenges, posed by the Windies and the home crowd, on and off the field, respectively.
Match Details
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Date and Time: November 30, 07.50 AM IST
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App
Pitch Report: The surface at the Perth Stadium is set to make the battle intense with its spiciness. There will be ample assistance for the seamers on the deck that will test the batters' skills and temperament. But conditions will be favourable for batting with the game's progression.
Note: The hosts have already announced their Playing XI for the first Test.
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
Predicted XI of WI
Kraigg Brathwaite(C), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shamarh Brooks, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (WK), Roston Chase, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Alex Carey, Joshua Da Silva
Batters: David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Tagenarine Chanderpaul
All-Rounder: Jason Holder
Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Alzarri Joseph, Mitchell Starc
Captain: Steve Smith
Vice Captain: Mitchell Starc
Prediction
Australia, having not lost a single Test at the venue, will start as the firm favourites in this match. They have a formidable squad, and, in all likelihood, will emerge triumphant in this encounter.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
