Australia confirms XI for first Test against West Indies as Cameron Green backed long term

Australia has confirmed its XI for the first Test against the West Indies, making crucial calls at three and four. But with Steve Smith backed to return for the second Test, the selection squeeze is already on.

Australia remains hopeful Steve Smith will be available to play the second Test against the West Indies creating a potential selection squeeze after Josh Inglis was confirmed as his direct replacement at No.4.

Inglis will keep Smith’s seat warm in the Frank Worrell Trophy series opener at Kensington Oval, with Aussie skipper Pat Cummins confirming that Inglis and Sam Konstas would be the only inclusions to the side that lost the World Test Championship final to South Africa.

That meant no room for Matt Kuhnemann, with the tourists resisting the temptation to play a second spinner, while Cameron Green will remain at No. 3 with the Aussies retaining a sense of stability despite the absence of Smith and the omitted Marnus Labuschagne.

Having failed twice against the Proteas, Green’s suitability to batting at first drop has been doubted by former England greats Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan, as well as ex-Australian opener Greg Blewett.

But Cummins insisted that the West Australian – currently playing as a specialist batter following back surgery last year – would get an extended run at No. 3, having been dislodged by Smith at No. 4 during his absence.

“Yeah, we see that as a long term option,” Cummins said.

“I think going into last week, he’s hitting the ball really well. He’s moving really well. He had a Test match where it obviously didn’t go to plan, he only faced three or four balls. So the message is not to look into that too much. We think we’re really happy with where his game’s placed. And, yeah, I dare say he’ll get a decent run.”

Cameron Green is being backed for an extended run at no.3. Picture: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

While Smith joined teammates in Barbados following the WTC final, he has since flown to New York as he recuperates the compound dislocation he sustained at Lord’s.

The second Test begins on July 4 (AEST), with Cummins optimistic that his deputy would be right to play that match.

“Hoping so. He’s got a few return to play protocols he’s got to tick off while he’s while he’s back home (in New York),” Cummins said.

“I know the medical team have got a bit of a program for him, so no huge update, hoping it goes well and he’ll be back here towards the end of the match. But he’s got a few things to tick off.”

The Aussies had weighed up picking Kuhnemann to partner Nathan Lyon but opted instead to retain the frontline pace trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Cummins conceded however that there was an element of unknown about the conditions given Australia hasn’t played a Test in the West Indies for a decade.

Captains Pat Cummins and Roston Chase with the Frank Worrell Trophy day ahead of the first Test. Picture: Randy Brooks/AFP

“We’re training on the side wickets, so might be similar to the to the game. You look at some of the data and info over the years, and share a little bit of knowledge. But it’s good coming over here with a few unknowns. It’s fine, you’ve got to think on your feet.”

New Windies captain Roston Chase confirmed that Shai Hope would don the gloves for the home side, allowing room for seaming all-rounder Justin Greaves in the XI.

Chase was hopeful that Shamar Joseph’s Gabba heroics when these sides last met in a Test 17 months ago would create a mental edge for the Windies, who haven’t beaten Australia in a Test series for more than three decades.

“I hope there are some scars,” Chase said.

“I mean, if they’re still thinking about that going out there tomorrow, that would be very good for us. I think that would be part of the job done for us.”

Originally published as Australia confirms XI for first Test against West Indies as Cameron Green backed long term