West Indies and Australia are set to lock horns in the first Test of the three-match series, starting Wednesday (June 25) in Barbados. The three-Test series will also mark the official start of Australia’s World Test Championship cycle. They are coming off a shaky end to the previous cycle, falling to South Africa by five wickets in the WTC final at Lord’s.
Heading into the series, Australia dropped Marnus Labuschagne, citing his dip in form, and brought in 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas. Meanwhile, veteran batter Steve Smith will also not be seen in action due to injury. In place of Steve Smith, Josh Inglis has been added to the Australian lineup. Notably, Australia are facing West Indies in a Test match in the Caribbean after 10 years.
For the hosts (West Indies), captain Roston Chase will lead the charge with familiar names like Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Keacy Carty and Alzarri Joseph in the side. They are also bolstered by promising fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who made waves during West Indies’ 2024 tour of Australia.
Head-to-head
Matches - 120
AUS won - 61
WI won - 33
Drawn - 25
Tied - 1
Australia’s possible XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood/Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann
West Indies possible XI: Kraigg Brathwaite, Mikyle Louis, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (c), Tevin Imlach (wk), Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph