Australia and the West Indies have unveiled their playing XIs ahead of the first Test in Adelaide, starting on Wednesday (January 17).

While Aussie skipper Pat Cummins confirmed the inclusion of Cameron Green, his Caribbean counterpart Kraigg Brathwaite named three men to make their Test debuts.

Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves have earned maiden Test caps, alongside Shamar Joseph, who impressed one and all in the tour match against Cricket Australia XI last week.

Following the retirement of David Warner earlier this month, Australia’s star batter Steve Smith expressed his desire to open the batting in red-ball cricket. Smith’s wish has been granted, which means Green, who averages 65 in First Class at No.4, will bat in his preferred position.

Smith’s elevation to the top of the order gives Australia an extra bowling option, meaning the workload of senior pacers like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Cummins could be managed.

For the visitors, right-arm seamer Greaves of Barbados has an impressive First-Class bowling record averaging 22.76, though will be leaned on more with the bat.

Hodge, who averages a tick under 30 at First-Class level, is expected to provide a similar role, albeit chipping in with his left-arm spin to compliment Gudakesh Motie.

On the other hand, Joseph is considered as an exciting prospect. He returned with two top-order wickets in West Indies’ tour fixture last week at Karen Rolton Oval.

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

West Indies Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach

(With ICC Inputs)