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Pathum Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to score double century in ODIs

Charbel Coorey
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Pathum Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to score double century in ODIs

Cricket News: Pathum Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to score double century in ODIs | Reactions to Pathum Nissanka’s double ton

Amid the plethora of T20s around the world, Pathum Nissanka made history in the ODI format at Pallekele against Afghanistan. The opener became the first Sri Lankan to notch a double century in ODIs, achieving the feat in his 50th match. When you consider the greats who donned the Sri Lankan kit over the years, Nissanka can certainly be proud of his achievement.

Nissanka saw it like a football as he showed no mercy on the Afghanistan bowlers. After he was starved of the strike in the opening few overs, Nissanka wasted no time in getting going, hitting 34 off his 23 balls – a period where he usually likes to take his time to get settled.

From there, Nissanka and Avishka Fernando went on a rampage, hitting 182 at seven runs per over for the opening wicket after being sent in to bat. Avishka was dismissed, but Nissanka continued on his merry way, finishing with 20 fours and eight sixes in his 210* off 139 balls to take his career average to 43.07.

Also impressive was the opener’s control percentage in what was the third-fastest double century ever in ODIs. Amid the carnage, he finished with 87% control on a good surface for batting, combining his 55 singles and 12 twos with superb boundary-hitting.

Pathum Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to score 200 in ODIs

In the process, Nissanka broke Sanath Jayasuriya’s previous highest of 189. In fact, the Sri Lankan great was in attendance to witness the moment. Here are some reactions to the superb achievement.

Sri Lanka finished with 381/3 – their biggest total since 2009. This is their fourth-highest ODI total in history, behind 443/9 (vs. Netherlands), 411/8 (vs. India), and 398/5 (vs. Kenya). It is a day their fans will remember, as will Pathum Nissanka, who has earnt a special place in the history books.

Who will open the batting for Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup? 3 key contenders

Charbel Coorey
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Who will open the batting for Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup? 3 key contenders

A look at the 3 key contenders to join David Warner as opener for Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup

Australia have a shot at another ICC trophy with the T20 World Cup taking place in the West Indies and United States of America in June. The 2021 champions failed to light up the 2022 edition which they hosted, but they will enter the 2024 edition as one of the favourites with a plethora of batting options right the way down the order.

Their first T20I of the year on February 9 against the West Indies saw the Australians field a batting lineup comprising of Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Matthew Wade from the openers down. That looks more set than the opening positions, with questions around who will partner David Warner in the tournament.

In this article, we will look at the three key contenders to the openers’ role as Australia look to force fast starts on the opponents.

3 key contenders to join David Warner as opener for Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup

1. Travis Head

Travis Head’s 2023 ODI World Cup heroics arguably makes him favourite for the role. Since the start of 2022, Head has smashed 1,124 runs in ODIs at a superb strike rate of 122.57. He has a greater license to go big in T20s, which makes him even more dangerous.

Also, Head’s offspin is an asset the Australians may seek to use throughout the tournament, especially if the surfaces are on the slower side. To cater for that, the team management may see him offer the most value up top with the bat rather than in the middle.

2. Josh Inglis

Inglis’ game has gone from strength-to-strength in recent months. The keeper-batsman has made a rollicking start to 2024, smashing the West Indies bowlers in both white-ball formats. What was most impressive is Inglis’ strokeplay all around the ground in the powerplay. He looks strong off the backfoot on the offside and can target the legside with devastating effect.

Also, Inglis is more than decent against spin. This was on show in last year’s ODI World Cup, where his footwork arguably looked the most assured of any player in the Semi-Final against South Africa. So, if he doesn’t end up opening, Australia may try to find a spot for him in the XI.

3. Matt Short

Short has been the Big Bash League’s top performer over the past few seasons. His ability to bat through the powerplay with impact and then build into an innings has been the hallmark of his success in the competition. Also, he is a more-than-handy offspinner and excellent fielder.

However, what may work against Short is his deficiencies against spin. Slower surfaces may result in Australia going in a different direction, but there is every likelihood Short will be in the squad and can play a role when needed.

Indeed, Australia are blessed with opening options in the T20 format. We haven’t even mentioned the likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, and Cameron Green who could all play a strong role in the tournament.

Australia’s campaign will kick off on the 5th of June against Oman, who are with England, Namibia, and Scotland in Group B. The top two teams will advance to the Super Eight stage.

IND vs ENG 2nd Test Twitter reactions: India win by 106 runs

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs ENG 2nd Test Twitter reactions: India win by 106 runs

Cricket News: IND vs ENG 2nd Test Twitter reactions: India win by 106 runs at Visakhapatnam & level series 1-1

India have levelled the five-match series against England after a 106-run victory in the second Test at Visakhapatnam. The hosts played from in front after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s superb 209, which eventually won him the player of the match award, followed by superb performances by Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah.

England, needing a further 332 to win at the start of day four, had hopes of pulling off their highest ever chase after a strong start by Zak Crawley and Rehan Ahmed. After Rehan was dismissed, Crawley and the star from the first Test – Ollie Pope – looked dangerous, but a wonderful catch by Rohit Sharma at slip ended a promising stand.

From there, India picked off wickets regularly as England tried to gain momentum. Ravichandran Ashwin may be waiting for that special wicket to bring up 500, but three of the first five to break the game open represents a solid outing for the offspinner. Also, Jasprit Bumrah was outstanding once again, mixing control with moments of magic to finish with superb match figures of 9/91 off 36.1 overs.

For England, they had their opportunities in this match but let things slip. Their first innings batting left a bit to be desired, and a few of the wickets on the fourth day – particularly those of Joe Root and Ben Stokes – won’t make for pleasant viewing. Also, the Zak Crawley LBW when he was batting beautifully led to some debates on the accuracy of hawkeye. But, India won’t mind, as Jaiswal, Gill and Bumrah have led the way in setting up the series nicely with key players to return.

IND vs ENG 2nd Test Twitter reactions: Hosts level the series

Here are some of the reactions to India winning the match, including views on Rohit Sharma the captain, the Crawley LBW, and the standout performers.

The third Test will kick off on February 15 at Rajkot. There will be great anticipation heading into the match given where the series is placed.

5 classic Mitch Marsh quotes after winning the 2023 Allan Border Medal

Charbel Coorey
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5 classic Mitch Marsh quotes after winning the 2023 Allan Border Medal

Cricket News: 5 classic Mitch Marsh quotes after winning the 2023 Allan Border Medal | Mitchell Marsh delivers memorable speech after winning the AB Medal

Mitch Marsh has completed his redemption story, winning the Allan Border Medal for the first time. It caps off an excellent return to the Australia team for Marsh, who marked his comeback with a memorable hundred at Headingley in the 2023 Ashes after which he never looked back.

Since the start of 2023, the all-rounder has scored 630 Test runs at an average of 52.5 and strike rate of 69.2. He also enjoyed success in the ODI format, smashing 858 runs in the same period at an average of 47.7 and strike rate of 113.9, along with 183 T20I runs at a strike rate of 183.

Off the field, Marsh is the kind of person you’d love to have a beer with. This was on display in his memorable acceptance speech, combining emotion with laughter to confirm what a likeable character he is. His speech was filled with memorable one-liners that had the audience both in stitches and tears. Here are five:

2023 Allan Border Medal: 5 classic Mitch Marsh quotes his acceptance speech

1. “I’m now hoping that me winning this [the Allan Border Medal] is not like COVID where we look back in three years’ time and go ‘that was a weird time'”

Marsh’s sense of humour summed up in one line. He was humbled to now be alongside some of the great names in Australian cricket to have won this award, and in true Marsh fashion, he put a funny spin on it.

2. “Cameron Green is an imposing figure. I thought I was done and dusted. I often spoke to my wife that I wanted to get one more crack at it, and it’s been amazing”

Marsh’s first show of emotion. The all-rounder fought back tears as he recalled the conversations he has had with his wife Greta about his desire to fight his way back into the Australian team. He credited his wife for giving him new-found perspective on life which has improved his cricket.

“Grets an amazing human,” Marsh said. “I said at my wedding vows eight months ago that she had given me the perspective on life that I needed. Our life is just a lot of fun. Every day I come home from cricket, whether I get a duck or a hundred, she’s always the same. She’s amazing.”

Earlier, when asked by The Grade Cricketer’s Sam Perry on what has been behind Marsh’s consistency, the all-rounder replied, “probably this lovely lady next to me. She’s pulled my head in a little bit.”

3. “Anyone who has sprayed me on social media, she’ll [Marsh’s sister Melissa] will get you at some stage”

When speaking about the influence of his family, Marsh spoke about the support of his sister. So much so that she would defend him against any bad or critical words spoken of him on social media.

4. “I can’t thank you [McDonald and Cummins] enough for believing in me. I’m a bit fat at times, and I love a beer, but you see the best in me always and you’ve changed my life”

Marsh’s second show of emotion. He thanked coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins for the support and belief they have showed towards him. “For your support Pat, and your leadership, playing under you is an absolute dream. Thank you very much.”

Pat Cummins’ reaction was one of a proud dad. A wholesome moment.

5. “Dad will be sitting having six stubbies at the pub telling me to stop crying and get off the stage”

At the end of his speech, Marsh thanked his family for the support with the usual humour. It brings back memories of how Shaun and Geoff celebrated Mitchell’s hundred at Headingley.

Here is the full speech:

Visakhapatnam pitch report for 2nd IND vs ENG Test

Charbel Coorey
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Visakhapatnam pitch report for 2nd IND vs ENG Test

Cricket News: Visakhapatnam pitch report for 2nd IND vs ENG Test | Pitch report at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium

The five-match series between India and England has been set up perfectly after the visitors staged a magnificent comeback in the first Test at Hyderabad. Trailing by 190 runs after the first innings, Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley produced some of the most memorable performances by overseas players in India to seal a magnificent victory.

Now, all eyes are on the Visakhapatnam pitch ahead of the second Test starting Friday. Interestingly, England opening batsman Zak Crawley has been told it could suit seam more than the Hyderabad pitch. If that is the case, it will represent a bit of a change in strategy for India after defeat on the spin-friendly surface.

Also, it must be noted that India’s six Test defeats at home since 2012 have all come on pitches offering more than four degrees of turn. Typically, the sweet spot for Indian victories is around the three-and-a-half mark. With warm and mostly sunny conditions forecast for the entire Test, expect the surface to take more turn as the game goes on, but perhaps less so than the first game.

Visakhapatnam pitch looks better for seam – Zak Crawley

“So, this wicket looks a bit better to seam, according to the guys. I haven’t seen it, but that’s what they said. It’s just a bit damper. I think here it seems like they’re a bit greener, so we’ll see what happens there,” Crawley said in the pre-match press conference.

Despite the potential for a different type of pitch to Hyderabad, Crawley re-emphasised the importance of sweeping against India’s spinners. It was a tactic that worked brilliantly in the first Test, with Pope in particular putting on a masterclass.

“I think sweeping and reverse sweeping when it’s spinning is a good option,” said the England opener. “It takes the spin out of it, kind of. If you can get to the pitch, bit like Pope did so well.

“And I think the reverse sweep is more common for us because there are just fewer fields there. They always seem to have two men out on the leg side. If they had two men out on the offside, we’d probably play the sweep.”

In terms of the playing XIs, India face a challenge with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of the second Test. Also, they need to bounce back after losing a match they were very well-placed to win.

Sarfaraz Khan, who averages 69.85 in 45 First Class matches, has been drafted into the squad. Rajat Patidar is also available. So, it will be interesting to see which way India go.

“I think sweeping and reverse sweeping when it’s spinning is a good option. It takes the spin out of it, kind of. If you can get to the pitch, bit like Pope did so well.

Zak Crawley

It will also be interesting to see England’s selections. If the surface does aid seam, it could lead to the return of James Anderson to the playing XI. If picked, the veteran seamer will come in for Jack Leach who is ruled out with a knee injury. However, captain Ben Stokes did suggest the possibility of spinner Shoaib Bashir making his debut if conditions suit.

The second Test begins on Friday, February 2.

Biggest first innings deficit to result in a Test win after batting first

Charbel Coorey
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Biggest first innings deficit to result in a Test win after batting first

Biggest first innings deficit to result in a Test win after batting first | What is the biggest first innings deficit to result in a Test win?

Test cricket sure knows how to thrill. The beauty of the format is that while it is the ultimate test of skill and character, the sheer length of a match gives teams the opportunity to fight back. Over the years, memorable matches have swung 180 degrees, with teams turning around seemingly impossible situations into glorious victories.

England started 2024 in magnificent fashion, beating India by 28 runs after trailing by a mammoth 190 runs after the first innings. Where does such a victory rank among the biggest deficits to win after batting first? Here is the top five.

Top five first innings deficits to result in a Test victory (after batting first)

5. 182 by India vs. Australia, MCG, 1981

One of India’s greatest wins in Test cricket. After being restricted to 237 despite Gundappa Visnanath’s 114, India, courtesy mainly of Allan Border’s 124, faced a deficit of 182 in the first innings.

However, Chetan Chauhan (85) and the great Sunil Gavaskar (70) combined for 165 for the opening wicket to give the visitors a foothold in the game. They managed 324 in the end, leaving the Australians with 143 to win.

Enter Kapil Dev. The great all-rounder took 5/28 off 16.4 to help bundle the hosts out for just 83 to seal a magnificent win for India.

4. 190 by England vs. India, Hyderabad, 2024

England, enjoying the fruits of playing without fear under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, pulled off an outstanding victory in Hyderabad. Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley, arguably the two most-maligned players in the English lineup after the first innings, produced scarcely-believable performances in the second innings to shock the hosts.

Pope hit a memorable 196 which will go down as one of the best ever away knocks by an England player. His audacious strokeplay was a thing of beauty as he forced Rohit Sharma and the classy Indian spinners into the kind of scenario in which they have rarely faced.

Courtesy of Pope and a number of other contributions down the order, England set India 231 to win. But, given how toothless England looked at times in the first dig, India were still favourites. But, up stepped left-arm spinner Tom Hartley who produced a seven-star performance, spinning a web through the Indian lineup to finish with 7/62 on debut.

3. 192 by Sri Lanka vs. India, Galle, 2015

Sri Lanka began their 2015 Test series against India in terrible fashion. They were reduced to 60/5 before lunch on the opening day, eventually getting bowled out for 183 with Ravichandran Ashwin (6/46) the chief destroyer.

In reply, India were sitting pretty at 255/2. Anything other than an easy win for Virat Kohli’s team would have been a huge shock. But, lacksadaisacal batting gave Sri Lanka a sniff as the Indians managed just another 120, but the 192-run lead still seemed huge especially when Sri Lanka crumbled to 5/3 in the third innings.

But, enter Dinesh Chandimal. In arguably his greatest innings, Chandimal smashed 162* off 169 balls to elevate the Sri Lankans from the depth of 95/5 to the high hopes of 367. It left India needing 176, and Rangana Herath was at his masterful best, demolishing the visitors’ lineup with 7/48 off 21 overs to roll them for just 112.

2. 206 by Australia vs. Pakistan, SCG, 2010

Australia again. This time in 2010. After opting to bat first on a green monster at the SCG, Australia crumbled to 127 all-out in the face of superb seam bowling by Mohammad Asif (6/41) and Mohammad Sami (3/27). Pakistan then batted nearly 100 overs to seemingly play Australia out of the game, scoring 333 courtesy of contributions from their top five.

However, Pakistan then imploded. Mike Hussey played a blinder (134*), combining with Peter Siddle for a 123-run stand for the ninth wicket when the game seemed all-but-lost. Then, chasing 176, Pakistan crumbled to Nathan Hauritz (5/53) and Mitchell Johnson (3/27) to fall short by 36.

Later that year, Pakistan were embroiled in the spot-fixing scandal in England where rumours emerged that the Sydney Test in January was also fixed. However, nothing was definitively proven.

1. 291 by Australia vs. Sri Lanka, Colombo, 1992

The biggest first innings deficit to result in any Test win was Australia’s mammoth effort in 1992 where they came back from 291 behind to win. After scoring 256 in the first innings, the Australian bowlers toiled away as Sri Lanka ammassed a huge 547/8d courtesy of centuries from Asanka Gurusinha (137), Arjuna Ranatunga (127) and Romesh Kaluwitharana (132).

Australia then replied with 471. Every single player notched double figures, with four scoring 50+. So, they gave Sri Lanka 181 to win, and remarkably knocked them over for 164 to complete what remains the greatest turnaround in Test history. Man of the match Greg Matthews took 4/76, while the late, great Shane Warne chipped in with 3/11 off 5.1 to seal the victory.

Fans slam England’s bowling attack selection for Hyderabad Test against India

Charbel Coorey
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Fans slam England’s bowling attack selection for Hyderabad Test against India

Cricket News: Thinktank comes under criticism after England’s bowling attack fails to fire in first Test vs India at Hyderabad

England’s hopes of continuing their surge in Test cricket over the past two years has taken an early blow in India. The hosts finished day two way out in front by 175 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja (81*) and Axar Patel (35*) going along smoothly in their unbroken partnership of 63 to lead India to 421/7.

A lot of the attention, even before the Test, was around England’s inexperienced bowling attack. They opted to leave James Anderson out and play two rookie spinners – 24-year-old left-arm spinner Tom Hartley on debut and 19-year-old legspinner Rehan Ahmed lining up in just his second Test. Jack Leach is playing his first Test since returning from a stress fracture in his back and Mark Wood bowled just 13 overs out of the first 110 that were sent down.

Cricket News: Thinktank comes under criticism after England's bowling attack fails to fire in first Test vs India at Hyderabad
England’s inexperienced bowling attack has endured a baptism of fire in Hyderabad.

India’s lineup was filled with contributions right down the batting order as England’s attack was unable to build meaningful pressure. Hartley’s 25 overs across days one and two yielded no maidens and an economy rate of 5.24. Ahmed also found the going challenging, conceding 105 in his 23 overs.

Leach (1/54 off 26 overs) and Joe Root (2/77 off 24 overs) were comfortably England’s most effective spinners in the first innings. It begs the question as to why the visitors would opt for such an attack lacking first class experience with Anderson available and Root more than capable of delivering quality overs as a third spinner.

Reactions: England’s inexperienced bowling attack finds the going tough

The general consensus among fans online is England made a blunder. There were plenty of calls to not target the inexperienced spinners, but rather focus the attention on the team management for such selections.

https://twitter.com/_cricketsparsh/status/1750826812173935093

Unless something remarkable happens, India will go to Visakhapatnam 1-0 up in the five-match series. The first two days at Hyderabad, as well as what the pitch offers in the second Test, may shape England’s thinking going forward.

However, before then, England will want to put up a good fight with the bat second time around. Any confidence boost in the first Test can work wonders, and that will likely be the focus from the attack-minded Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

Hyderabad pitch report for 1st IND vs ENG Test

Charbel Coorey
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Hyderabad pitch report for 1st IND vs ENG Test

Cricket News: Hyderabad pitch report for 1st IND vs ENG Test | Will the Hyderabad pitch spin big early in the Test?

The nature of the pitches in England’s tour of India in 2021 was a hot talking point. Ahead of their 2024 showdown, attention is squarely on the Hyderabad pitch ahead of the first Test of an eagerly-awaited five-match series.

A glimpse of the pitch via social media suggests it will aid spin quite early in the Test. The surface is quite dry and bare especially near the popping crease, which will certainly test the front foot techniques of the batsmen. Also, warm, dry conditions throughout the match will assist spin further.

Hyderabad pitch report – dry, turning surface set to greet the teams

England’s final XI suggests they feel it will spin from the get-go. They have picked three specialist spinners and just the one fast bowler in Mark Wood. Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley and Jack Leach will assume the main spin duties. Joe Root, who took 5/8 in 2021, can also offer more-than-handy offspin.

So, one feels the toss could prove crucial. There is little doubt the captain who wins the toss will opt to bat and look to play from in front before the surface wears out further. However, it must be noted that no team who won the toss went on to win a Test in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia won the first two tosses only to lose, before India lost at Indore after choosing to bat. The last Test was a draw. Also, in 2021, England won three of the four tosses but ended up losing 3-1.

Rahul Dravid held his cards close to his chest when discussing the pitch on the eve of the Test. But, the India coach expects spin to play a key role.

“Hard one to say [nature of pitch]. We will have a look at it and figure it out. It looks good from what I’ve seen,” Dravid said.

“But may spin a little bit. How quickly and how fast, I’m not sure. But it might spin a little bit certainly as the game goes on.”

England fast bowler Mark Wood believes his team shouldn’t focus too much on the surface. Back in 2021, the surfaces were a big talking point as England barely laid a glove after winning the first Test at Chennai.

“We’ve discussed the pitch,” said Wood. “But I wouldn’t say we discussed it at that length to worry about it. We have enough self-belief in our group that we can do something special.

“We’ve got spinners, we’ve got seam, we’ve got good batters and we’ve got a good recent history behind us.”

Wood continued, “We know that this is a massive task. It’s not good coming here and rolling over thinking it’s going to be tough because the pitches are not what we’re used to. We have to find a way.”

Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for 2nd AUS vs WI Test

Charbel Coorey
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Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for 2nd AUS vs WI Test

Cricket News: Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for 2nd AUS vs WI Test | Will it rain at the Gabba for the day/night Test?

The 22nd day/night Test is about to kick off at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia, who took a 1-0 series lead with a very comfortable ten-wicket win in Adelaide, will be aiming to seal another victory against West Indies to lock away more World Test Championship (WTC) points.

The match will be played across the Australia Day long weekend (25-29 January). However, the weather forecast at the Gabba doesn’t look too promising. Rain has lashed through Brisbane and parts of Queensland in recent weeks and months, and that is likely to continue in the coming week, which will likely result in disruptions.

Gabba weather forecast for AUS vs WI day/night Test

According to the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au), rain is forecast from day three onwards. Brisbane is renowned for its late afternoon thunderstorms, which puts any weekend play at risk. Of course, if Australia dominate the way they did in the first Test, the match may not even go past a third day.

On day one (Thursday 25 January), mostly sunny conditions are forecast with a top of 32 degrees. The humidity will surely test the players, especially the batsmen under lights where the pink ball typically hoops around. Conditions should also be good on Friday (Australia Day, day two) with a top of 31 degrees.

Cricket News: Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for 2nd AUS vs WI Test | Will it rain at the Gabba for the day/night Test?
Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for first two days of AUS vs WI 2nd Test

From thereon, up to 30mm is forecast on each of days three, four and five. There is a chance of a thunderstorm each day. Given this match will be played during the hours in which those thunderstorms typically take place in Brisbane, rain interruptions are likely.

Cricket News: Gabba Brisbane weather forecast for 2nd AUS vs WI Test | Will it rain at the Gabba for the day/night Test?

There has been some criticism from fans regarding the scheduling of this Test. This time of year is typically the wet season in Brisbane, with humidity and thunderstorms a regular feature. One can only hope the rain stays away long enough on days three, four and five to allow for a result.

This could happen with the nature of the pitch. Photos have emerged showing a very green surface, but more of the grass will be shaved off after a two-day Test between Australia and South Africa last season.

Will Usman Khawaja play in the 2nd Test vs West Indies?

Charbel Coorey
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Will Usman Khawaja play in the 2nd Test vs West Indies?

Cricket News: Will Usman Khawaja play in the 2nd Test vs West Indies? | Usman Khawaja injury update after being struck on jaw

Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja will continue to be assessed after he was cleared of a fractured jaw in the aftermath of his team’s comfortable, ten-wicket win in the first Test against West Indies. With just one run required to complete the simple 26-run chase, Khawaja was struck on the jaw by a Shamar Joseph bouncer as he attemped to sway out of the way.

The veteran had blood coming from his mouth, but thankfully he has been cleared of structural damage. However, Khawaja will be monitored for any delayed concussion symptoms after passing an initial test. Should the opener develop any, he will likely miss the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting Thursday, January 25.

Matt Renshaw set to come in if Usman Khawaja is ruled out of the 2nd Test against West Indies

Khawaja took to social media to share an update. He was his typical, witty self. “Thanks for all the well wishes, I’m fine, just wanted Marnus to have a hit!” he wrote.

Fellow left-hander Matt Renshaw was selected as the backup opener after Steve Smith was picked as David Warner’s replacement. If Khawaja is ruled out, Renshaw will slot in for what will be his first Test as Australian opener since 2018.

Renshaw has been in decent red-ball form in the past two seasons. Earlier this summer, he scored a patient 136* off 337 in the tour match against Pakistan in Canberra. However, his Sheffield Shield average of 31.63 in six matches this season is something the selectors will hope he improves on if he does take the field for the second Test.

In terms of the series, Australia look classes above the inexperienced West Indies. They completed the ten-wicket win shortly before lunch on the third day after dismissing the tourists for just 120 in the second innings.

Josh Hazlewood took 5/35 to follow his 4/41 in the first innings. Earlier, man of the match Travis Head’s 119 helped Australia to a healthy lead of 95 on a challenging Adelaide pitch.

The second Test will be a day/night encounter in Brisbane. It will run across the Australia Day long weekend, so there should be good crowds once again after an excellent turnout in Adelaide.

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