The highly awaited first Test between West Indies and Australia begins in Barbados from June 25 to June 30, 2025, with both teams announcing their final playing XIs. This match marks the start of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both sides and is being seen as a fresh beginning, especially with a number of new faces on both teams.
WI vs AUS: Confirmand Playing XIs
| West Indies XI | Australia XI |
| 1. Kraigg Brathwaite | 1. Usman Khawaja |
| 2. John Campbell | 2. Sam Konstas |
| 3. Keacy Carty | 3. Cameron Green |
| 4. Brandon King (Test debut) | 4. Josh Inglis |
| 5. Roston Chase (captain) | 5. Travis Head |
| 6. Shai Hope (wicketkeeper) | 6. Beau Webster |
| 7. Justin Greaves | 7. Alex Carey (wicketkeeper) |
| 8. Jomel Warrican | 8. Pat Cummins (captain) |
| 9. Alzarri Joseph | 9. Mitchell Starc |
| 10. Shamar Joseph | 10. Nathan Lyon |
| 11. Jayden Seales | 11. Josh Hazlewood |
Key Talking Points
- New Leaders, New Era: Roston Chase takes charge of the West Indies Test team for the first time, signaling a fresh direction under coach Daren Sammy. While Chase brings calmness and experience, the real test will be how he inspires a young squad in tough conditions. On the other side, Pat Cummins continues to lead a well-settled Australian unit, with his leadership now entering a more experimental phase as the team looks to groom new stars.
- Fresh Talent: The West Indies team includes several players who are still new to Test cricket, like Brandon King (making his debut), Keacy Carty, and Justin Greaves, who haven’t played many red-ball matches. On the other hand, Australia is giving chances to young talents like Sam Konstas, who is only 19, and Cameron Green, who is being trusted to bat at No. 3. Both teams clearly want to build a strong group of players for the future.
- Missing Stars: Australia go into the Test without two of their most experienced batters, Steve Smith, sidelined due to injury, and Marnus Labuschagne, who has been dropped after a dip in form. The absence of these two puts added pressure on
the middle order to perform. Similarly, the West Indies miss the leadership and skill of seasoned players like Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva, both left out as the selectors aim to reset the team.
Match Details
- Venue: Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica
- Dates: June 25–29, 2025
- Series: 3 match Test series (part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship)
Conclusion
This Test match is more than simply the opening game of the series. It’s a meeting of two teams going through change. West Indies are trying to bring back their old success with a new team, while Australia are looking ahead by trying out fresh players. With pride, WTC points, and team spots on the line, a close and exciting match is expected in Barbados. Let the new chapter begin.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
