West Indies Opt to Bat; Wade Debuts

Bridgetown: West Indies won the toss and chose to bat against Australia in the first Test match of the series at Kensington Oval on Saturday.

In the absence of Brad Haddin, wicket-keeper Matthew Wade makes his debut and he received his baggy green, handed over by Ricky Ponting, before the start of play.

It was the 428th to be presented to an Australian.

The West Indies brought Shivnarine Chanderpaul back into the side with Kieran Powell, who played in West Indies' last Test match in India being left out.

Ravi Rampaul, who has only recently recovered from a bout of dengue fever and also a shoulder problem, was the other player to miss out from the squad of thirteen that had been named.

Australia left out James Pattinson from their three man pace attack while Nathan Lyon continues as their front-line spinner. Vice-captain Shane Watson will bat at number three for the first time with David Warner and Ed Cowan opening the batting.

West Indies are aiming for their first Test win against Australia for 9 years and for their first series win over the visitors in 19 years.

Teams:

West Indies: Adrian Barath, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Carlton Baugh (wk), Darren Sammy (capt), Devendra Bishoo, Fidel Edwards, Kemar Roach

Australia: Ed Cowan, David Warner, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (capt), Michael Hussey, Matthew Wade (wk), Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon