Australia v West Indies - 1st Test Preview

This Australian test team appears to be at its most vulnerable for year. The question is, however, has the West Indies enough strike power to take advantage of the situation? I suggest that they probably don't but if they are ever going to have a chance against the Aussies this may well be it.

The pillar of strength that once was the Australia batting line up looks the weakest since the nightmare days of the mid 80's. Jaques and Katich will open the batting and both must be under huge pressure. Jaques had a shocking summer and is yet to confirm a regular spot and there are still questions to be asked of Katich who will be hungry after his test recall and excellent season at state level.

Ponting and Hussey are the class acts in this line up but are coming off horrible form slumps. Both of these players will lift but their confidence must be down. That leaves Hodge and Symonds. Hodge is a super player but he has constantly whined about how unlucky he has been not to be in the test team. This doesn't bode well as he must now vindicate his own beliefs under the pressure of test cricket in a batting line up that may struggle. Symonds is the form player and a true champion but at test level it must be a worry that he appears to be the benchmark. No Hayden, Langer, Clarke and Gilly, there certainly are some gaps.

The bowling line up appears weak outside of Lee. Lee has proven himself the very best in business and when Warne and McGrath went, he stepped up. The Aussies will need him to take plenty of wickets. McGill gets another chance but let's see if his body and mind are up to the task. He should be treated by the conditions and a Windies batting line up that are not noted for their ability to play quality spin. Stuart Clark was another one of the not up to scratch brigade this Aussie summer but he appears to be one of the many who lift against weak opposition.

Sportsbet.com.au has the Aussies at $1.43, the Windies at $8.50 and the draw at $4.00. Don't get me wrong the Aussies should win but I will be having a dig at the Windies at $8.50. This team has appeared to improve under the coaching of John Dyson and even managed to take a test of the South Africans over in Africa. The first test may be their best chance and I just think the price is worth having a nibble at.

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