With the West Indies and Australia beginning their campaigns in the latest World Test Championship cycle 2025-27 in Bridgetown, Barbados, with dramatic team changes and changes in leadership. With new personnel and new decisions, the AUS vs WI Barbados Test marks the start of a new cycle in red-ball cricket.
Roston Chase Takes Over West Indies Captaincy in Surprise Move
West Indies come into this Test series with new leadership as Roston Chase takes over as captain from Kraigg Brathwaite. Interestingly enough, Chase has not played a Test match since March 2023 and was missing from the last 13 Tests. However, he now leads a reshuffled team looking to create a new legacy.
The XI for the first AUS vs WI Test at Barbados consists of:
Return for John Campbell and Shai Hope (last played Tests in 2022 and 2021, respectively; Hope will also don the wicketkeeping gloves)
Veteran pacer Kemar Roach has been axed, even though he played in the West Indies’ previous three series. Notably missing is Joshua da Silva, whose heroics at the Gabba and exceptional form in the West Indies Championship could not find him a place.
Three players only remain alive from the West Indies’ previous Test appearance:
Kraigg Brathwaite
Justin Greaves
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Jomel Warrican
Debutant Brandon King
Australia Drop Labuschagne, Smith Out Injured in Barbados Showdown
Australia, still hurting from their WTC final loss to South Africa, is also making a quiet reboot. For the first time since 2018, Australia will field without both Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
Major Australian Changes:
Marnus Labuschagne dropped after 53 consecutive Tests
Steve Smith injured a finger (could return for the second Test)
Josh Inglis and debutant Sam Konstas added to update the batting line-up
Australia’s top six are now inexperienced, and their team contains no 2015 Caribbean tour batters, during which Smith made a record 199. Only Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon have Test experience in the West Indies.
In spite of this change, the selectors have been against making wholesale changes. Australia, after all, lost only one of their last seven Tests and were undefeated in multi-Test series during the last WTC cycle.
Form Guide and Upcoming Stakes: AUS vs WI Barbados Test Pivotal for Both Sides
Recent Form:
West Indies: WLLWL
Australia: LWWWW
Both sides have a lot at stake in this AUS vs WI Barbados match:
West Indies seek a strong start under a new captain and fresh faces.
Australia needs to prove their new-look side can handle the pressure, especially with tough away tours to South Africa, India, and a high-stakes Ashes series later this year.
AUS vs WI Barbados Test to Set Tone for WTC Cycle
While the trade winds blow consistently over the Kensington Oval in Barbados, the winds of change blow over both the West Indies and Australian teams. The AUS vs WI Test series in Barbados is not just another WTC game. It’s the start of a generational shift, leadership trial, and tactical makeover for both teams.
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