The stage is set for the opening Test between West Indies and Australia in Barbados, with both sides announcing their playing XIs ahead of the much-anticipated clash starting Wednesday. The encounter also marks the beginning of a new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the latest chapter in the contest for the historic Frank Worrell Trophy.
West Indies, under newly appointed Test captain Roston Chase, have introduced significant changes in their lineup, blending fresh faces with returning experience in an effort to inject renewed energy into their red-ball campaign. Among the notable selections, Brandon King earns a Test debut following a string of strong white-ball performances. Shai Hope also returns to the Test fold for the first time since 2021 and will take on dual responsibilities as wicketkeeper and middle-order batsman.
Opening duties will be handled by Kraigg Brathwaite and the recalled John Campbell, while the bowling attack is headlined by pace trio Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Joseph. Support will come from bowling all-rounder Justin Greaves and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.
Speaking ahead of the Test, skipper Roston Chase said the team is aiming to revive the flair traditionally associated with Caribbean cricket. “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 support the boys through and through,” Chase said.
Australia, meanwhile, have also made significant adjustments. Injuries and form have led to the absence of Steve Smith and the dropping of Marnus Labuschagne, paving the way for Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis to join the XI. Konstas will open alongside the experienced Usman Khawaja, while Inglis takes over Smith’s No.4 slot.
Despite a quiet outing in the recent WTC Final against South Africa, Cameron Green retains the No.3 position, followed by Travis Head and Beau Webster in the middle order. The Australian bowling lineup remains unchanged, with skipper Pat Cummins joined by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon—completing a familiar and formidable attack.
The series will be crucial for both sides not only to start the new WTC cycle on a strong note but also to assert dominance in the battle for the Frank Worrell Trophy, one of Test cricket’s most historic bilateral contests.
Playing XIs:
West Indies:
Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), 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 (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood