Adelaide’s Adelaide Oval is hosting the 2nd test between Australia and West Indies on a bright sunny morning. Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, where Steve Smith is captaining the side today in the absence of Pat Cummins.
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Smith said that the pitch looks the same as the Ashes test last year where Australia registered a heavy win over England here in Adelaide. The record of the Australian team is great in pink-ball tests, and they will again be looking to make their mark in this match.
West Indies handed debuts to Marquino Mindley and Devon Thomas in this match as they are facing a lot of injury issues. They have made three changes in their playing 11 where Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers have been replaced by Mindley, Thomas and Anderson Phillip.
Why Pat Cummins not playing today
The Australian team has been forced to make a couple of changes in their playing 11 for the 2nd test in Adelaide. The pace duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood has been replaced by Scott Boland and Michael Neser.
Pat Cummins’ was ruled out yesterday only due to the injury he suffered in the 1st test in Perth. Smith said in the press that Cummins has been doing well, and they have rested him keeping the next week’s South African series in mind. However, the injury of Josh Hazlewood is a surprise blow.
Smith confirmed at the toss that Hazlewood has also been ruled out due to an injury, and it is said to be ‘general soreness’. The Australian captain even said that Hazlewood’s availability for the South African test series is also not certain. So, it is looking like a serious injury.
“Unfortunately Hazlewood was pulled out last night. I’m not entirely sure of his availability for South Africa. But Neser bowled really well last year so we’re thrilled to have him back,” Steve Smith said at the toss to Fox Sports.
Michael Neser will play the Adelaide day-night Test match against the West Indies, replacing Josh Hazlewood in the starting XI.
Hazlewood is experiencing “general soreness” after the Perth Test.#AUSvWI
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) December 8, 2022
Michael Neser has been brilliant for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield this season, where he has scalped 24 wickets in 5 matches. This will be Neser’s 2nd test for the Australian team.
