West Indies face the heat in Jamaica’s pink-ball glow-up

West Indies face the heat in Jamaica's pink-ball glow-up

The lights are on at Sabina Park for the first time for a cricket session. On Wednesday evening, July 9, the lights were officially switched on for a pink-ball Test.

Australian batters and fielders adjusted to the new conditions, as did the West Indies players and match officials, including referee Javagal Srinath, the day after.

The Jamaican Minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, confirmed the day-night Test.

The event is being treated as a major occasion with performers, both local and international, scheduled to appear.

However, ticket sales have been underwhelming, leading to the George Headley Stand being temporarily closed.

The Australian team will use this match as a chance to assess their top-order, particularly the opening partnership of Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas.

There is also speculation about the team playing four fast bowlers, with Scott Boland potentially replacing Nathan Lyon.

The West Indies are expected to play an attacking brand of cricket, with the pitch looking green and lively.

When: West Indies v Australia, d/n 3rd Test, July 12-16, 2025, 13:30 hrs Local Time, 04:30 AEST (July 13), 00.00 hrs IST (July 13)

Where: Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica

Probable XIs:

West Indies:

Kraigg Brathwaite/Mikyle Louis, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Alzarri Joseph, Jomel Warrican/Anderson Phillip, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

Australia:

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon/Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood