Australia v West Indies second test preview, tips & odds

The culmination of the Australian cricket summer is poised to unfold at The Gabba this week, featuring a day-night spectacle as Australia aims for a clean sweep against the West Indies in the second test.

Following a commanding 10-wicket triumph in Adelaide, the home team arrives in Brisbane riding a wave of momentum, propelled by Travis Head’s match-winning innings. The vice-captain notched an impressive 119 runs off 134 balls, setting the stage for Josh Hazlewood to dismantle the Windies’ top order with a remarkable 5/35 in the second innings, leaving a modest target of 26 runs for Australia in the final innings.

Despite the comfortable victory, the Aussies seek enhanced batting productivity in Brisbane after posting a modest 283 in Adelaide against a relatively inexperienced West Indies attack. The team is expected to remain unchanged, although concerns linger over Usman Khawaja, who retired hurt in the second innings after facing a bouncer to the jaw during the run chase.

The West Indies, disappointed in Adelaide, owe a debt of gratitude to debutant Shamar Joseph, whose contribution prevented a more lopsided outcome. The team was dismissed for 188 in the first innings, with Joseph scoring 36 off 41 balls. Kirk McKenzie was the sole West Indies batter to surpass 50 in the match, reaching just that. Joseph showcased his prowess with the ball, claiming 5/94, including dismissing Steve Smith with his first delivery.

As Kraigg Braithwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul stand out as the team’s premier batsmen, the West Indies will be banking on an improved performance from their opening pair in Brisbane.

Australia v West Indies 2nd Test top tips & odds

Australia stands tall as the preeminent cricket team globally, while the West Indies, though not the formidable force of yesteryear, face an uphill battle. However, a potential hurdle for the Aussies this week is the capricious Brisbane weather. A forecast of up to 80mm of rain on Saturday and Sunday poses a challenge for Pat Cummins and his team.

Unless Australia swiftly dismisses the West Indies within two days, securing a result at The Gabba could prove elusive. Since the turn of the century, Australia has suffered defeat only once at The Gabba, with only four draws in the same period. Yet, with rain predicted for all but the opening day, the odds of +525 available on top cricket betting sites seem enticing.

Local talent Marnus Labuschagne has notched up fewer runs than desired this summer, but confidence remains high in his ability to rebound in familiar surroundings. Labuschagne boasts an impressive average of just over 80 in test cricket at his home ground, adorned with two centuries and two half-centuries. A versatile player, if the Aussies lose an early wicket, anticipate Labuschagne to anchor the innings with another century, further pressuring the West Indies.

Beyond Shamar Joseph, Kirk McKenzie emerged as the lone West Indies batsman to surpass 30 in the first innings in Adelaide. With elegant shots through the offside, McKenzie is poised to capitalize on the bounce in Brisbane and build on the experience gained from his knock in Adelaide. Batting at first drop, should Braithwaite or Chanderpaul depart early, the confidence is high that Kirk McKenzie can replicate his Adelaide performance and thrive on the fast outfield in Brisbane. Priced at $4.75 with leading online betting sites, he presents a compelling bet to be the top run-scorer in the West Indies’ first innings.

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