WI vs AUS 1st Test Match Prediction: Preview, H2H & Top Players to Watch - Australia tour of West Indies 2025

It is expected that this match, which kicks off Australia's Caribbean tour, would be a thrilling Test cricket spectacle. The eagerly awaited first Test match between Australia and the West Indies will kick off on June 25, 2025, at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados. 

Roston Chase's West Indies recently ended a losing streak by defeating Ireland by 62 runs in a decisive Twenty20 match. The Caribbean team is improving despite the challenges of moving from white-ball to red-ball formats thanks to up-and-coming young players like Shamar Joseph and dependable veterans like Kraigg Brathwaite and Alzarri Joseph.

On the other hand, following a string of uneven results, Australia, captained by Pat Cummins, enters the Test. They lost against South Africa by 5 wickets in their most recent game, scoring 212 runs in their innings but being unable to defend the total. Australia is still a top-tier Test team with incredible depth and experience, despite recent poor performances in the recent test matches.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Although there haven't been any recent encounters in this series, Australia has always won the Test competition with the West Indies. The Australians are clear favorites because they have a sizable advantage in terms of victories, particularly over the past 20 years. However, the Caribbean squad will be motivated to reclaim lost prestige, especially on home turf.

West Indies vs Australia Pitch Report

The Kensington Oval pitch in Barbados traditionally favors fast bowlers in the early stages, offering good bounce and seam movement. The pitch flattens down as the game goes on, enabling hitters to construct lengthy innings. Spin comes into play from Day 4 onwards. A first-innings total of around 300-350 is considered competitive here. The weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, with some chances of light showers that could impact play intermittently.

West Indies vs Australia Playing XI Prediction

West Indies (Probable XI):

Roston Chase (C), Jomel Warrican (VC), Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jayden Seales, Mikyle Louis, Shamar Joseph, John Campbell, Anderson Phillip, Kevlon Anderson.

Australia (Probable XI):

Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Sam Konstas, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kuhnemann.

WI vs AUS Match Prediction

Australia continues to be the more experienced and balanced unit despite recent difficulties. Their powerful pace trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins, combined with stable top-order batting, gives them a slight edge. The West Indies will rely on home advantage, along with the consistency of Kraigg Brathwaite and the bowling duo of Alzarri Joseph and Jomel Warrican, to counter the Aussies.

Who will win

Australia will prevail. Australia is the favorite to lead the series 1-0 thanks to their strong batting core, powerful fast bowlers, and extensive experience. However, if the West Indies' top-order fires and Warrican shines with the ball, an upset can't be ruled out entirely.

Best Batsman Prediction

Usman Khawaja (AUS) – With an average of 57.33 this year, the seasoned left-hander has been in outstanding form, amassing 344 runs in 7 innings. His ability to score significant goals and persevere in trying situations makes him a valuable member of Australia's squad.

Best Bowler Prediction

Jomel Warrican (WI) – The left-arm spinner has taken 73 wickets in 34 innings with best figures of 7/32. On a Day 4-5 pitch in Barbados, Warrican's ability to extract turn and bounce could be a major threat to the Australians.