Australia’s two-match series against the West Indies will start on January 17 and will include 13 players in total.
The composition suggests an opening role for Steve Smith, with Cameron Green expected to return to the starting XI and Matt Renshaw in the squad most likely as backup after David Warner’s retirement.
Renshaw defeated Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft to win the Test position after days of debate over the lineup, but Chair of Selectors George Bailey essentially relegated Renshaw to the role of drink carrier by confirming Green’s inclusion.
“Cameron Green will come into the playing XI for the Test in Adelaide in a squad also containing Scott Boland and Matthew Renshaw,” Bailey said.
“We have selected a team we believe contains the best six batters in the country.”
Speaking at the end of Australia’s last Test match against Pakistan, Smith expressed interest in the post, and it’s assumed that his desire to work with Usman Khawaja affected the Australian selection panel’s decisions.
After the news, Bailey spoke with the media and restated Smith’s desire to open.
“I believe he’s keen for this to be a significant chapter of his career,” Bailey said.
We keep an eye on the near future. (But) Steve wants to remain here for all intents and purposes.”
“It’s selfless that someone who has had so much success in one position or a couple of positions in the middle order is open and willing and hungry to have a crack at something new and something different.”
Green, on the other hand, is preferred to bat at number four, where he has excelled while playing in domestic First Class cricket. Mitchell Marsh took the all-rounder’s spot in the team during the 2023 Ashes, although the two will probably be used together.
In preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy, Australia also announced an ODI squad for the next series against the West Indies.
Following their victory in the Cricket World Cup, Smith will captain the ODI team while Pat Cummins will miss the series.
The following players are part of the Australia Test team: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchel Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc.
Australia’s ODI team: Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, and Adam Zampa