West Indies v Australia tips & predictions | Second Test preview

West Indies vs Australia best bets

West Indies vs Australia match preview

The second Test between the West Indies and Australia begins this Friday (AEST) as the visitors looks to secure the series victory in Grenada.

Last week in the opening Test, it was a batsman’s nightmare, as Australia won by 159 inside three days. No West Indian passed 50, while the Aussies were bowled out in less than 85 overs in both innings. Travis Head was given man of the match honours for his scores of 59 and 61, but other notable performances included Shamar Joseph (nine wickets, 52 runs) and Josh Hazlewood (seven wickets).

For the West Indians, it was a strong performance for three innings, but their fourth-innings collapse leaves their batsmen under pressure. Additionally, expect their fielding to improve after they dropped seven catches in the match.

Australia’s concerns remain in the top order, with returning youngsters Sam Konstas and Cameron Green both struggling with the bat.

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West Indies team news

While West Indian captain Roston Chase has not confirmed his lineup for the Test, he has hinted at the possible inclusion of an extra pace bowler. This would likely be in Anderson Phillip, who would come in for left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.

1. Kraigg Brathwaite
2. John Campbell
3. Keacy Carty
4. Brandon King
5. Roston Chase (c)
6. Shai Hope (wk)
7. Justin Greaves
8. Anderson Phillip
9. Alzarri Joseph
10. Shamar Joseph
11. Jayden Seales

Australia team news

Australia have confirmed the return of star batsman Steve Smith for this game as he has recovered from a finger injury. He will return at number four, as Josh Inglis makes way.

1. Usman Khawaja
2. Sam Konstas
3. Cameron Green
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Beau Webster
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Pat Cummins (c)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood

West Indies vs Australia betting picks

Despite struggling for large patches of the opening Test, Australia proved their quality in the fourth innings with their world-class bowling attack. With more expected out of the top order, expect this Test to be much more one-sided, as the Aussies wrap up the series at -357.14 with top cricket betting sites.

With fifties in both innings in Bridgetown, Travis Head looks the most dangerous of the Aussie batsmen. His attacking style forced errors out of the West Indian attack, and coming in at five means he often enjoys easier batting conditions than the top order. At +300 at BetOnline, back Head to lead the Australian runscorers once again in their first dig.

Making a name for himself against Australia, 25-year-old fast bowler Shamar Joseph was excellent in the opening Test. With nine wickets and plenty of extra dropped catches, he terrorised the top order with the new ball. If he can continue his strong form, expect Joseph to continue leading the attack with the most first innings wickets at +260 with leading online bookmakers.

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