๐ ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ ๐๐
West Indies
Australia
The Frank Worrell Trophy returns with Australia touring the Caribbean for a two-match Test series, starting with the first Test at the historic Kensington Oval in Barbados from June 25-29. For Aussie fans, the action kicks off at midnight AEST on June 26.
Australia, currently one of the top-ranked Test sides, will be aiming to continue their dominance over the West Indies in the longest format. Their pace attack, led by Pat Cummins, will be crucial on a traditionally lively Barbados pitch. The West Indies, meanwhile, will look to regroup after recent struggles and hope their young core can deliver a statement performance at home.
Expect a hard-fought battle as both teams reignite a historic rivalry in the heart of the Caribbean.
Dry Barbados surface suits his style, and he's in good rhythm.
The betting tip is...
Nathan Lyon Top Australia Wicket-Taker (1st Innings)
71 %
29 %
West IndiesAustraliaWest Indies begin their World Test Championship campaign with a fresh leadership setup and several notable squad changes. Roston Chase has been recalled after a two-year absence and will captain the side, taking over from Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down earlier this year.
Shai Hope, better known for his white-ball exploits, could return to the Test side for the first time since 2021, likely taking the gloves following Joshua Da Silvaโs omission.
Head coach Daren Sammy, overseeing his first Test series at the helm, has opted for a shake-up. Alick Athanaze has been dropped, while John Campbell is back in the mix after three years out of the Test setup.
The squad also features first-time Test selections for Brandon King, who serves as vice-captain in ODIs, and emerging talent Kevlon Anderson, adding a fresh edge to the Caribbean lineup.
Predicted Lineup: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Kevlon Anderson, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican (vc)
Australia head into the opening Test in Barbados with confirmed absences and fresh faces. Marnus Labuschagne has been left out, while Steve Smith will miss the match due to a finger injury sustained during the World Test Championship final. His compound dislocation of the right little finger has not required surgery, keeping hopes alive for a return in the second Test, pending his ability to bat with a splint.
In Smithโs and Labuschagneโs absence, teenage opener Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis have been recalled. The visitors will finalise their playing XI and batting order closer to the toss.
Australia were also forced into a squad adjustment, with Sean Abbott replacing Brendan Doggett, who suffered a minor hip injury while serving as a reserve during the WTC final. Abbott, previously part of the Test squad in Sri Lanka, returns to the group after Doggett flew home for rehab.
With Caribbean conditions expected to favour spin, left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann could pair with Nathan Lyon.
Predicted Lineup: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood
Australia head into the first Test as strong favourites despite missing Smith and Labuschagne, with their pace attack and experienced core still intact.
West Indies, under new leadership, is in transition and heavily reliant on fresh faces. Expect Australiaโs bowlers to dominate on a dry Kensington Oval pitch, with Lyon and Cummins likely to cause major problems - back the visitors to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
