West Indies vs Australia 1st Test Match Preview – June 25, 2025

Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Date: June 25–29, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM GMT / 7:30 PM IST
Format: Test Match
Series: Australia Tour of West Indies 2025 (1st Test of 3)
Tournament: World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027

Match Overview

The first Test of the three-match series between the West Indies and Australia gets underway at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This match marks the start of Australia's WTC 2025–27 campaign following their defeat in the 2025 WTC Final against South Africa. The West Indies, led by Roston Chase, will look to capitalize on home advantage and recent confidence from a draw in Pakistan.

The Kensington Oval is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, with the pitch typically favoring fast bowlers in the early days and providing assistance for spinners as the match progresses. The average first innings score at this venue is around 300–350, with the fourth innings often proving tricky for chasing teams.

Team News & Playing XI

West Indies (WI) Playing XI

• Kraigg Brathwaite (Batter)
• Mikyle Louis (Batter)
• John Campbell (Batter)
• Keacy Carty (Batter)
• Shai Hope (Batter)
• Roston Chase (Captain, Allrounder)
• Tevin Imlach (Wicketkeeper)
• Jomel Warrican (Allrounder)
• Alzarri Joseph (Bowler)
• Shamar Joseph (Bowler)
• Jayden Seales (Bowler)

The West Indies have a strong fast-bowling unit in Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales. With a relatively inexperienced middle order, the team will rely heavily on consistency from Brathwaite, Hope, and Chase, with Imlach providing crucial wicketkeeping support.

Australia (AUS) Playing XI

• Usman Khawaja (Batter)
• Sam Konstas (Batter)
• Marnus Labuschagne (Batter)
• Steve Smith (Batter)
• Travis Head (Batter)
• Cameron Green (Allrounder)
• Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper)
• Pat Cummins (Captain, Bowler)
• Mitchell Starc (Bowler)
• Josh Hazlewood (Bowler)
• Nathan Lyon (Bowler)

Australia’s batting lineup is in good form, with Khawaja, Smith, and Head providing the core. The all-round threat of Cameron Green adds depth. The pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, along with Lyon’s spin, gives the Aussies a potent bowling attack. Sam Konstas, likely to open, will look to make an impact in his first Test series.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches Played: 120
• West Indies Wins: 32
• Australia Wins: 61
• Draws/No Results: 27

Australia holds a commanding lead in the head-to-head, with the West Indies winning just one of the last five Tests. However, the Windies have the advantage of home conditions and recent form, having drawn a Test series with Pakistan earlier this year.

Key Players to Watch

West Indies

• Shai Hope – The experienced middle-order batter will need to anchor the innings.
• Roston Chase – A key all-rounder who can control the flow with his off-spin and provide leadership.
• Shamar Joseph – The fast bowler with match-winning potential, having starred in the last Test series win against Australia.

Australia

• Pat Cummins – The world’s number one Test bowler and inspirational captain.
• Steve Smith – The ever-reliable run-machine, crucial to Australia’s top-order success.
• Mitchell Starc – A potent left-arm paceman who can exploit the new ball.

Match Prediction

Australia are the clear favorites on paper, with a top-tier batting and bowling lineup. However, the West Indies will be motivated and buoyed by their recent draw in Pakistan and the home advantage at the Kensington Oval. The surface is expected to offer early assistance to pacers, giving the West Indies a chance to exploit the new ball with their quicks.

If the Windies can put in a strong first innings backed by disciplined bowling, they could force a contest. However, the depth and consistency of the Australian batting order might ultimately prove too strong.

Predicted Outcome:
Australia to win, but the West Indies can push for a draw or even a shock victory if their batting holds up and their fast bowlers perform at their best.

Fantasy Tips

Top Wicketkeeper (wk): Alex Carey
Top Batters (3): Steve Smith, Kraigg Brathwaite, Marnus Labuschagne
Top Allrounders (2): Roston Chase, Cameron Green
Top Bowlers (3): Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Shamar Joseph

Conclusion

This first Test promises to be an intriguing battle between a resurgent West Indies side and a formidable Australian team. While Australia remain the stronger side, the home conditions and recent performances of the Windies could make for a closely contested match. Fans can expect a thrilling five-day encounter with the potential for a nail-biting finish.
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