Cummins out for Australia as West Indies eye show of Adelaide defiance

By Sports Desk December 07, 2022

West Indies are determined to keep scrapping when they face Australia in the second and final Test with both sides dealing with injury issues.

The Windies were beaten by 164 runs in the first Test in Perth and face an uphill battle to save the series in Adelaide.

Australia will be without captain Pat Cummins for the day-night Test following a quad strain he suffered in the series opener.

The hosts have opted not to risk their skipper, with a series with South Africa, who are second behind Australia in the World Test Championship standings, around the corner.

Steve Smith will deputise as captain for the finale of this series, which does not form part of the Test Championship.

The tourists will likely be without Nkrumah Bonner, who has a concussion. All-rounder Kyle Mayers will only be available as a batter because of a shoulder issue while bowler Jayden Seales has a knee problem.

Kemar Roach is also a doubt due to a hamstring concern for an attack that took only six wickets in Perth and was tormented by Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 204 and 104 in a man of the match display.

But assistant coach Roddy Eastwick wants to see more fighting spirit, which was most evident in the first Test when fast bowler Alzarri Joseph troubled Labuschange with his pace.

"You are playing the best side in the world, no doubt about that," Estwick said. "You can't go gung-ho.

"I know everyone has seen how England are playing and think that's the way to go. Well, that's the way they want to go, fine by them, but with us, we know we have to be as patient as possible.

"We are playing the best team in the world and we just want to grind and fight and stay in the fight as long as possible.

"We did that [in Perth], we want to go one step further. It's all about improving, learning and getting better. You've just got to keep fighting and scrapping with the Australians."

Scott out to bowl Windies over

Scott Boland has been called into the Australia squad in the absence of Cummins.

Boland has an incredible average of 9.55 having taken 18 wickets in three Tests in the 2021-22 Ashes series.

His last Sheffield Shield match for Victoria against South Australia at Adelaide saw him take six wickets, so hopes will be high for another impressive showing on the international scene.

Australia's Adelaide dominance

The omens for an upset win for the Windies are not good. To be frank, they're terrible.

Australia are undefeated in their last 18 men's Tests against the Windies (W14 D4), last losing to them in 2003 at St John's in Antigua; in fact, their last loss to them at home came in 1997.

In addition, Australia have won eight of their last nine men's Tests at Adelaide Oval including their last three on the bounce. They are undefeated in their last four Tests at the venue against the West Indies (W3 D1).

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