Australia v West Indies: Here’s what you need to know

From beers in a plastic cup on the Hill to $24 lobster rolls on the Village Green, cricket is about to descend on Adelaide. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s summer … you know what that means!

Everyone’s favourite social event is back on at the Adelaide Oval, albeit at a slightly less-than-favourable timeslot to what most of us are used to.

Adelaide Oval will host its first day Test since in five seasons when Australia takes on the West Indies, with Cricket Australia opting to move the Oval’s customary day/night Test to the Gabba to avoid a potentially heat and humidity-stricken Brisbane during late January.

Jonty Millar, 31, is looking forward to getting among the action and cheering on the Aussies.

“I have such fond memories of the Adelaide Test,” he said.

“From attending as a kid with my family, to enjoying a beer on the Hill with my mates, and most recently the Village Green as a SACA member. There’s something for everyone.”

Daphne Albanese and Jonty Millar enjoying a $24 lobster roll and a Pimms at the Village Green at Adelaide Oval ahead of the Test. Picture: Kelly Barnes

If you’ve been to the cricket, it’s safe to assume you’ve heard of the SACA Village Green, everyone’s favourite spot to spend an afternoon soaking up the sun and asking the person next to you, “who’s winning?”.

Well, it’s back and even bigger than ever!

SACA member Nick Birchall is also eager for the cricket to kick off.

“Every year I get excited for Test match week in Adelaide. It’s my Woodstock,” the 24-year-old said.

The fan-favourite Pimms locale – with jugs of the fruity refreshment costing $42.80 – will once again be at the forefront of many attendees’ minds, while the more diehard cricketing fans will be champing at the bit to get their first look at Steve Smith as an opening batsmen, replacing the recently retired David Warner in what is an intriguing prospect for Nick.

“I am very keen to see Steve Smith open the batting,” he said.

“As has been said by others, I think this will be a great challenge for him and will hopefully help cement his place as the best since Bradman.”

With an abundance of local wines and beers, coupled with cocktails, curries, and cricket on the big screens, there really isn’t a better place to spend an afternoon than ‘out the back’.

“Adelaide Oval is the best place in the country to watch cricket,” Nick said.

“Additionally, the Village Green is the best place in the country to do anything but watch cricket!”

Steve Smith speaks to media ahead of the Test match series between Australia and West Indies at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty

What you can eat and drink at the Oval

The Pimms bar will be serving tasty new cocktails to thirsty fans, with frozen margaritas and Mr Black espresso martinis making their debut in the members’ area.

Non-alcoholic options will feature fresh juices and smoothies from Boost Juice.

A new food outlet will also join the Village Green in 2024 according to a SACA spokeswoman.

“Food marquees will serve up cuisines of all kinds, including bao buns, dumplings, Mexican and pizzas, as well as new outlet, The Chippery, serving gourmet fish and chips and lobster rolls costing $24,” she said.

Members will once again have the opportunity to freshen up at the Style Bar, an enclosed area with complimentary hair, makeup, and barber services.

The Lyn Fullston Lawns will once again play host to the ‘Kid’s Zone’, a grassed area equipped with a range of games and activities to keep the young’uns entertained throughout the five-day Test.

Non-members will still be able to divulge in numerous eateries and bars around the Oval, as well as partake in one of the best atmospheres in Australian sport on the Hill.

Bacon and egg brioche rolls will be on offer at kiosks for the start of play and available at ground-level kiosks throughout the venue until the end of the first session.

Although Nick is yearning for the first ball on Wednesday morning, his excitement levels have been somewhat tempered this year.

“It’s no secret Adelaide have been shafted with the timeslot,” he stated.

The Premier, Peter Malinauskas, voiced similar frustrations in late December last year.

“Cricket Australia really gave us a kick in the guts by giving us West Indies two years in a row, starting the Test on a Wednesday and prioritising Perth,” he said.

While Adelaide will have to endure a second consecutive season hosting a declining West Indies team, Cricket Australia is expected to reward the City of Churches with back-to-back day-night tests against two of cricket’s biggest powerhouses, India and England from next year.

Travis Head rests during training ahead of the men’s Test match series between Australia and West Indies at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty

Australia vs. West Indies Test: What you need to know

Gate opening times:

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8:30am.

Saturday at 9:00am.

Sunday at 9:30am.

Session times:

Session 1: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Session 2: 12:40pm – 2:40pm

Session 3: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Ticket Prices:

GA from $10

E Reserve AFZ from $10

E Reserve from $10

D Reserve from $27

C Reserve from $38

B Reserve from $49

A Reserve from $124

Tickets are available for purchase from Ticketek.

How to get there

All ticket holders can travel to the event for free on any Adelaide Metro bus, tram, or train by simply showing their ticket to the driver.

Ticket holders can access public transport from 7:00am on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, as well as all day on Saturday and Sunday.

What kind of local produce is used in SACA member functions:

300kg SA Southern Rock Lobster (South-East – Robe and Beachport)

250kg SA Spencer Gulf King Prawns

200kg L’Abruzzese Pasta

350kg Angus Pure Beef

100kg Spencer Gulf Hiramasa Kingfish

150kg Boston Bay Smallgoods

TEAM SQUADS

Australia

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc

West Indies

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Zachary McCaskie

Originally published as Australia v West Indies: Here’s what you need to know