Australian captain Pat Cummins has confirmed the line-up for the first Test match against the West Indies.
Teen tyro Sam Konstas has been recalled and will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja – who is twice his age – while Josh Inglis also comes back into the side and will bat at No.4.
Konstas, 19, replaces the dumped Marnus Labuschagne, while Inglis – who scored a century in his debut Test innings in Sri Lanka earlier this year – replaces the injured Steve Smith.
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Cameron Green retains his spot at No.3 while Beau Webster remains in the team and will bat at No.6.
The first match begins at midnight Wednesday AEST.
Cummins says Green is now viewed as a long-term option at first drop. The tall Perth product is still not able to bowl given he only recently returned from back surgery.
“We always like to not have too many moving parts. We see (Green) as a long-term option (at No.3),” Cummins told media in Barbados.
“He’s hitting the ball really well, he’s moving really well. He had a Test match where it didn’t go to plan, and he only faced (five) balls.
Sam Konstas of Australia. Getty
“The message is not to look into that too much. We’re really happy with where his game is placed and I dare say he’ll get a decent run at No.3.
“Not much has changed from last week and we’re happy with where everyone else is batting. Sammy (Konstas) is obviously an opener and the available spot for Josh this week is at No.4.”
Konstas burst onto the scene on Boxing Day at the MCG where he made his Test debut and belted India’s best bowlers for 60 in his debut innings.
He has since struggled for runs, although scored one Sheffield Shield century for New South Wales in February.
Cummins resisted the urge to pick two specialist spin bowlers for the series opener.
Cameron Green of Australia. Hagen Hopkins via Getty Images
“We don’t really know what to expect but it feels like the three quicks are better suited for this wicket,” Cummins said.
“I think it’ll be (a) pretty good wicket with maybe a little bit of spin later on in the game, (but) honestly, I’ve got no idea.”
Australian team vs West Indies: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
West Indies team: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
