“We’re looking to play with a bit more flair and bring back that Caribbean style to the game. We’re just looking forward to making the Caribbean nation proud,” said Chase.
Match Overview
The West Indies and Australia have both named their playing XIs for the opening Test of the series, set to begin on Wednesday, June 25, in at the Kensignton Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The West Indies have handed a debut to Brandon King, considering his impressive showings in white-ball internationals.
The hard-hitting batter Shai Hope has made a remarkable return to the Test setup for the first time since 2021. He will take on wicketkeeping duties and bat at No. 6. The ace opener John Campbell also makes a comeback to the side. The pace attack will feature Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales, while bowling all-rounder Justin Greaves and spinner Jomel Warrican have also been included to strengthen the bowling unit.
The newly appointed West Indies captain Roston Chase expressed confidence in the selected combination as both teams gear up to begin a new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship cycle for 2025-27.
“We’re looking to play with a bit more flair and bring back that Caribbean style to the game. We’re just looking forward to making the Caribbean nation proud. I just want to ask the fans to just support the boys through and through,” Chase said.
The visiting Australian side has also confirmed that Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis will replace the injured Steve Smith and the dropped Marnus Labuschagne in the playing XI for the first Test of the three-match series against West Indies, where the two sides will compete for the Frank Worrell Trophy. The skipper Pat Cummins also revealed the batting order ahead of the series opener.
The youngster Konstas, who debuted against India last year, will open the innings alongside veteran Usman Khawaja, with Cameron Green to bat at No. 3. Handy wicketkeeper-batter Inglis will fill in the void of Steven Smith as specialist batter, followed by Travis Head and Beau Webster in the middle order. Alex Carey will don the gloves for the Aussies. The WTC runners-up will go with the same bowling unit as used in the final against the Proteas.
“Coming over here with a few unknowns, that’s fine, you have to think on your feet. We feel like the three quicks are better suited for this wicket. I always like to not have too many moving parts,” Cummins said.
“We see that (Green at No. 3) as a long-term option. I think going into last week, he’s hitting the ball really well, he’s moving really well. He had a Test match where it obviously didn’t go to plan. Think he only faced three or four balls, so the message is not to look into that too much. We’re really happy with where his game’s placed, and I dare say we’ll get a decent run of number three,” he concluded.
WI vs AUS, 1st Test – Playing 11s
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wicketkeeper), 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 (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
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