Australia face a potential World Test Championship banana skin in the shape of the West Indies at Perth. James Richardson previews.
The Windies haven’t been in great touch in the Test format but they have a dangerous side if things click for them.
To Win Match
Australia 1/6 | Draw 7/1 | West Indies 11/1
Australia vs West Indies | 30 November – 4 December 2022 | Optus Stadium
Australia
Australia will hope that a dominant home Test summer will see them power towards a World Test Championship final.
Two of the five key Tests of their season will be taking on the touring West Indies.
Australia’s biggest enemy will be complacency in this series, with the tourists a dangerous counterattacking side.
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne form the imposing spine of the Australian middle order and their pace weapons are plentiful.
West Indies
A lot of headlines have been devoted to the call-up of Tagenarine Chanderpaul the son of Windies legend Shivnarine, especially given the uncanny similarity in their styles.
Kraig Brathwaite has the hard task of leading this West Indies side, who are firmly entrenched as the underdogs.
The Windies’ pace battery should be looking forward to a series in conditions that suit the quicker bowlers, but they will need to adjust to the Australian pitches.
West Indies are banking heavily on their seamers, with allrounder Roston Chase the only frontline spinner in the squad.
Verdict: Australia 1/6
The Aussies should prove too hot to handle for the West Indies… especially in home conditions.
