The first Test of the three-match series between the West Indies and Australia starts on June 25 in Barbados. Both teams have named fresh lineups as they begin the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Australia have revamped its batting unit. Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped, and Steve Smith is out injured. In their spots, young Sam Konstas opens with Josh Inglis slotting in at No. 4. Cameron Green retains a vital role at No. 3, showing the team management’s confidence in his long-term potential.
The West Indies go with a largely new look XI under new captain Roston Chase. Brandon King has been handed a Test debut. Shai Hope and John Campbell make their comebacks into the Test fold.
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Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis in Australia’s XI; West Indies Recall John Campbell and Shai Hope
While Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped down from captaincy, he will continue as an opener. Campbell, who last played a Test match in June 2022, will open alongside Brathwaite.
King, rewarded for his consistent white-ball form, has been handed his maiden Test cap. Hope is back in the West Indies red-ball team for the first time since 2021 and will take the gloves while batting at No. 6.
Chase will captain the Test team for the first team. He will be playing his first Test match since March 2023.
Their pace attack features Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales. Justin Greaves provides an all-round option along with Jomel Warrican, who is mainly a left-arm spinner.
Australia are coming off a World Test Championship final loss to South Africa at Lord's. They have used that result as a springboard for change. Labuschagne has been dropped. Smith is unavailable due to injury
Konstas will partner Usman Khawaja at the top, with Green holding on to the No. 3 slot despite his recent struggles in the WTC Final.
Inglis comes in at No. 4. Travis Head and Beau Webster follow him in the middle-order. Alex Carey retains the wicket-keeping role. Australia will go in with the same bowling unit that played in the final at Lord’s, including captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
Australia and West Indies Playing XIs for the First Test
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
