The first test between Australia and West Indies will be played on Thursday, 26th November, at the Gabba in Brisbane in Australia. This is the first of the three test matches that will be played in the series, which is more popularly called the Sir Frank Worrell trophy.

Australia will be playing their first test match after almost three months. In the last series that they had played, they had gone on to lose the Ashes to England, and for now will be looking to avenge that defeat and get back to their winning ways. They have looked much hungrier than before, having beaten Scotland, England and India in the ODI series, apart from winning the Champions Trophy in the interim period.

The good news for them is that Michael Clarke returns back to the side from his back spasms and should be fit to bat in the middle order. And as was the case with the latter half of the Ashes, Shane Watson should open the batting for Australia in place of Phil Hughes, along with Simon Katich. Ever since he was promoted to the top of the order in the five day format, Watson's form has been excellent and he would look to convert the form into some big runs at the top as well.

Ricky Ponting should be secured at the number three slot, but Michael Hussey's place could be in a bit of a jeopardy. He may still make it to the batting eleven, but he would know that it is high time he started getting his runs in tests as well, as the selectors seem to be losing their patience with him. This series will be a big one for him. Marcus North will continue batting at six and playing the part of the all rounder, whereas Brad Haddin recovers from his finger injury and makes a return to the side.

Apart from Brett Lee's exclusion and Doug Bollinger's inclusion in the squad, the Aussie bowling will continue to remain the same.

For the West Indian side, there couldn't be more relief when it was found that the captain Chris Gayle will be back in Australia, leading the side after having had to go back to tend to his ailing mother. Shiv Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan will continue to prop the middle-order up, but the man to look out for will be Adrian Barath, a 19-year old youngster who has been Brian Lara's favourite for some time now.

One of the youngsters in Kemar Roach or Gavin Tonge could be soon playing against Australia, whereas Sulieman Benn would be the spinner to reckon with.

Tag :- Australia   Brad Haddin   Chris Gayle   Michael Clarke   Simon Katich   Sir Frank Worrell trophy   West Indies