The Holy Hand Grenada: 1st morning, 2nd Test

PL is a bit excited ahead of Australia's first ever Test in Grenada

Greetings Et Alers, it’s another perfect start to the day here in St George’s, where players, officials, ground staff, and the like have been attending the early morning rituals.

I’ve got the outdoor press box almost to myself as there’s no power yet. I may have to move up to the broadcast box with the others, but I’m staying here as long as my batteries last.

Smith and Konstas taking throwdowns

Steve Smith, Sam Konstas and Cameron Green arrived ahead of the team to warm up in the pair of nets at the back of the ground. There’s a lot of pressure on two of the three, if only because Australia needs to bed down that top order ahead of the Ashes, and time is short. Remember how Nathan McSweeney and then Konstas rose from the pack in the early Shield last summer? The Australia A games later this month and Shield games ahead of the Tests could be even more critical this year if this top order doesn’t establish itself.

I’m expecting Marnus Labuschagne to return for the two first-class matches against Sri Lanka in Darwin. Tim Paine is coaching the A team, and all eyes will be on the performances there.

Australia have just won the toss and chosen to bat on a pitch that looks dry and will get even drier.

Smith is in for Josh Inglis for the Australians, and the Windies have shored up the pace by bringing in Trinidadian Anderson Phillip in place of spinner Jomel Warricane. Captain Roston Chase will presumably assume all spinning duties.