Australia v West Indies Second Test: Prediction & Best Bets

Australia and the West Indies will do battle in the second and final Test of the series at the Adelaide Oval tomorrow morning. The Aussies maintained their top spot in the World Test Championship with a convincing 164-run win in the first match. Lwanele Poswayo is back with his prediction and best bets for the second Test.

Australia will be without captain Pat Cummins for the day-night Test due to a quad injury with Steve Smith set to captain the side. They will look to continue with their impressive record in day-night Tests after winning all ten that they’ve played (all at home).

Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne was in fantastic form in the previous Test becoming just the third Australian to score a century and a double century in the same Test. He’s been Australia’s top first-innings batsman in 4 of his last 15 matches and I’m backing him to make it 5 from 16 in this match.

Mitchell Starc

Mr reliable in day-night Tests, Mitchell Starc has taken an impressive 56 wickets from ten pink-ball Tests at an average of 18.41. He’s also taken a wicket every 36 balls in his 10-day-night Test and is a no-brainer to be Australia’s top 1st innings bowler.

The left-arm fast bowler has taken fewer than two wickets just twice when bowling at least eight overs with the pink ball. Back him at 4.00.

Jermaine Blackwood

I’m reluctant to back a West Indies batsman considering that I expect them to be bowled out cheaply with the pink ball but Blackwood has a great record in day-night Tests and did look good in the previous match. He’s scored 143 runs from his four innings against the pink ball at an average of 47.67, including a best of 79*. At 7.00, there’s a lot of value in backing him.

Pitch and Conditions

The Adelaide Oval pitch will provide a lot of assistance for the fast bowlers as the match will be played under lights with the pink ball. The ball will swing, and batters need to be cautious.

Form

Australia: WLWWD
West Indies: LWWWD

*Most recent matches first.

Prediction

Australia’s long unbeaten run against the West Indies in Test cricket continued in Perth and I wouldn’t bet against them in this match. They also have a brilliant record with the pink ball, winning all 10 of their matches. I’m backing them to win this game and the series 2-0.