Australia not underestimating Windies – Smith

Australia refuse to read too much into West Indies’ tour match loss ahead of the first Test in Hobart starting Thursday.

Steve Smith’s team are hot favourites to win the three-Test series in dominant style against the tourists.

West Indies were embarrassed in a tour match, thrashed by 10 wickets by a youthful Cricket Australia (CA) XI in Brisbane.

One of their greats, now bowling coach Curtly Ambrose, tried to fire his team up on Tuesday, claiming they had come to be more than just competitive.

But, without their biggest names, West Indies are expected to be no match for Australia.

The hosts have included James Pattinson in their XI as the paceman replaces Mitchell Starc (foot) in their attack.

Mitchell Marsh will remain at number six despite his poor batting form, leaving Peter Nevill at seven.

The wicket in Hobart is expected to have a green tinge come Thursday and that is set to delight the speedsters.

Despite West Indies’ heavy loss to CA XI, Smith said there was enough quality in the tourists’ line-up to trouble his side.

“We want to win this series 3-0. I wouldn’t read too much in the way the tour match went for the West Indies,” he said.

“The West Indies have some quality bowlers in their attack, led by Jerome Taylor.

“I think he’s a great fast bowler so we can’t take them lightly and we have to play each ball on its merits and hopefully get a big first innings score and set the match up.”

Captain Jason Holder leads the Windies with the bat and ball, and he performed well in the tour match.

But improvement is vital for Holder and his team ahead of a first Test they are being given no chance of winning.