The new 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle is already underway with Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh and India vs. England kicking off proceedings last week.
Now, it is time for former WTC champions Australia to take centre stage when they face off against the West Indies at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 25.
West Indies last played a Test series back in January when they toured Pakistan, with the series ending 1-1. Jomel Warrican was declared as the Player of the Series for his 19 wickets as the visitors clinched the second Test match at Multan.
Meanwhile, Australia's wounds are still fresh from the WTC 2025 final defeat at the hands of South Africa, as they failed to defend their mace earlier this month. Moreover, a devastating finger injury to their star batter, Steven Smith, in the same match has further added to their troubles.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, start times, and the latest lineup news.
West Indies vs. Australia live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch the 1st Test between West Indies and Australia in the U.S.:
- TV Channel: Willow TV
- Live Stream: Fubo
This West Indies vs. Australia Test series will be available for live TV broadcast on Willow TV, the official broadcaster for major cricket events in the USA.
Willow Sports is a cable TV channel, but if it's not included in your current package or you've cut the cord, it's available on Fubo as part of its expanded sports offering. In addition to live matches, you can also watch replays and highlights on demand any time from any device.
Fubo offers a FREE trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without ca\ble. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does West Indies vs. Australia start in the US?
The 1st Test match between West Indies and Australia will be played at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, from Wednesday, June 25, to Sunday, June 29. Play is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. local time (AST) each day, which translates to 10:00 a.m. ET or 7:00 a.m. PT in the United States.
West Indies vs. Australia predicted XIs, team news
When West Indies take the field on Wednesday in Barbados, they won't expect to start as favorites against Australia, but could sense an opportunity to spring in a few surprises for the visitors' top order.
Kraigg Brathwaite was the second-highest run scorer for West Indies in the 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship with 586 runs at 22.53 batting average through 26 innings and will continue as their opening batter yet again.
Meanwhile, Alick Athanaze who was the top scorer in WTC's last edition has been dropped from the squad. Wicket-keeper Joshua da Silva was also not included despite impressive performances in the domestic circuit, as Tevin Imlach has been given the glove duties for this Test.
The bowling attack will rely on the young pace trio of Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, with Jomel Warrican as the main spinner, supported by skipper Roston Chase's off-spin.
West Indies predicted XI: Kraigg Brathwaite, Mikyle Louis, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (c), Tevin Imlach (wk), Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph.
Following the WTC 2025 final loss, Australia have made two major changes to their batting unit. The injury to Smith has forced the visitors to bring in Josh Inglis, who is likely to bat at either No. 3 or No. 4.
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, a usually reliable batter in the Test side, has struggled for form and has been replaced by the teenage sensation Sam Konstas, who returns to the team after impressing on his debut against India late last year.
Konstas will join veteran Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, who is counting his days in the Australian Test side, with the Ahses expected to be his last series. The bowling attack? That continues to remain intact with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc leading the charge, supported by lone spinner Nathan Lyon and Beau Webster.
Australia predicted XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.