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Cricket Australia on Wednesday, 10th January announced their 13-member squad for the upcoming Test series against West Indies. While the side will now be without veteran opener David Warner, CA has named his replacement. However, the board named Queensland left-hander Matt Renshaw, who was handed a Test comeback, Steven Smith was picked above all to open the innings with Usman Khawaja.
Moreover, Renshaw, who last played a Test during the Border Gavaskar Trophy in India in February - March 2023, has been picked above competitors Cameron Brancroft and Marcus Harris, who were the other probables to replace Warner at the top of the order. Apart from Matt Renshaw’s inclusion, the side will have prominent names in Steven Smith, Travis Head among others.
On being naming Warner’s successor, Australian Chief Selector George Bailey picked Smith while he confirmed that Cameron Green will play in the middle order. “Tongue in cheek I could say everything’s an experiment. That’ been part of the discussions with Steve, I believe he’s keen for this to be significant chapter of his career,” Bailey was quoted as saying in the press conference. “We don’t look too far ahead (but) for all intents and purposes, this is where Steve wants to stay,” he added.
Australia’s Test squad for two-match Test series against West Indies 2024:
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.
