West Indies’ batting deficiencies became apparent subsequent to their stumble in Adelaide against an inexperienced Cricket Australia XI. A week prior to the first Test against Australia, on a desiccated Karen Rolton wicket, several of the tourists’ batsmen attempted to advance but were unable to do so.
West Indies 251 for 8 (Greaves 65, Hodge 52, Brathwaite 52, Haskett 3-57)
vs Cricket Australia XI
The CA XI assault, which was composed exclusively of players without Big Bash League contracts, did not include any individuals with Test experience during the three-day match.
Liam Haskett, a West Australian, took 3 for 57, whereas an emerging talent from New South Wales Dick Warren, a Victorian spinner, concluded with 2 for 47, while Jack Nisbet completed with 2 for 50. The three bowlers have collectively participated in nine first-class matches.
Positive signals arose for the West Indies when captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who had excelled in Australia the previous summer, displayed some vigor with his 52.
Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves each contributed 62 runs and 52 runs, respectively, which aided their Test debut hopes.
However, concerns also arose regarding the visitors. Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze, both top-order batsmen, were dismissed with bounce balls, which are certain to attract the interest of Australia’s quicks.
Equally disconcerting was the termination of Brathwaite. A futile attempt to paddle-sweep Warren concluded his 3 for 3 collapse and was captured on camera.
Another 4 for 8 collapses occurred late in the day, around the second new ball, after the foreigners had reached 223 for 4 thanks to Hodge and Greaves.
Sincerity exists regarding the performance of the formerly exemplary Caribbean team entering the two-Test series. They will deploy at least three debutants in their 15-man selection for the first Test in Adelaide on Wednesday; seven are uncapped.
Former captain Jason Holder withdrew from the tour prior to its participation in the ILT20, whereas all-rounder Kyle Mayers is representing Durban in the IPL-backed SA20.
Last summer, the West Indies were comprehensively defeated in two Tests in Australia, and only five players returned from that tour.
