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The recent progress of the West Indies will be under the scanner when they take on Australia in a Test and one-day series.
Under new captain Chris Gayle, West Indies are at least showing a bit of a fight. Their series against Sri Lanka proved that. (Gayle, though, has been ruled out of the first Test due to a groin injury and Ramnaresh Sarwan will lead the team.)
After showing the usual weaknesses in the first Test, the West Indies gathered themselves to pull off a fine victory in the second and final one.
Facing Australia will be a different proposition. The Aussies will be all out to prove that even with the retirement of their star player Adam Gilchrist, they still are the best team in the world.
The strength of the Australians was tested by India early this year. Some chinks in the armour were exposed.
A struggling middle-order and lack of good spinners were highlighted. But India are much stronger than the West Indies and the Australians will use the series to consolidate their position and try out some new options.
The recall of Simon Katich is interesting. A good domestic season has got him back his place in the team.
Katich struggled during his initial spell in Test cricket and more often than not it was his indecisiveness which proved his downfall.
With Michael Clarke likely to miss the first Test, Katich may well find himself back in the middle order. This is his big chance to cement a permanent place in the side.
The Australian opening slots are in safe hands at least for now. Matthew Hayden has defied his 36 years to continue to play excellently. His form was good in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Phil Jacques has proved to be a ready replacement for Justin Langer. He has the same characteristics as his predecessor and will surely open for a long time to come.
The form of skipper Ricky Ponting could be a worry. Ponting fell from his own high standards against India and his form in the IPL was scratchy.
Brad Haddin has played decently in the one-dayers whenever he got the opportunity. Replacing Gilchirst both behind and in front of the stumps will not be easy. If Braddin plays half as well as Gilchrist, he will be a bonus to the side.
The biggest threat for the West Indies will be Brett Lee. The champion fast bowler is at the top of his trade at the moment. He is more accurate than before and uses his brain along with brawn.
Stuart Clark will also pose problems on the slow and low wickets in the West Indies. He will be the ideal foil for Lee in those conditions.
The West Indies will bank on Shivnaraine Chanderpaul and Sarwan to see them through.
Chanderpaul is batting at his best while Sarwan is in top gear. Sarwan's batting will be crucial as he bats at number three and of late has shown a willingness to battle it out.
The bowling trio of Darren Powell, Jerome Taylor and Fidel Edwards are beginning to click. Taylor is the most improved of the lot and will spearhead the attack.
The series will be an interesting one as many questions for both teams will be answered by the end of it.
