West Indies vs Australia 2025: Kensington Oval Pitch Report, Test Stats and Records at Bridgetown, Barbados

Cricketing action returns to the Caribbean as West Indies gear up to host Australia in a three-match Test series, beginning June 25 at the iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The contest marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both sides, with significant squad overhauls and leadership changes on both fronts.

West Indies usher in fresh leadership and faces

The biggest headline for the hosts is the appointment of Roston Chase as Test captain, taking over from long-time skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down earlier in March. Chase returns to the red-ball arena after a hiatus of over two years, with the selectors showing faith in his experience and all-round capabilities.

Shai Hope, the team’s white-ball leader and wicketkeeper, is also in line for a Test comeback after nearly three years, following the exclusion of Joshua Da Silva. The move could see Hope don the gloves in the longest format for the first time since 2021.

Among other changes, left-handed batter Alick Athanaze has been dropped from the squad. John Campbell, whose last Test appearance came in 2022, has been recalled to bolster the top order, while the uncapped duo of Brandon King – the current ODI vice-captain – and Kevlon Anderson have been handed maiden Test call-ups.

Marnus Labuschagne dropped, Steve Smith out injured for Australia

Australia, on the other hand, enter the series with notable absentees. Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the XI due to a prolonged dip in form, while senior batter Steve Smith has been ruled out of the series opener after sustaining a compound dislocation on his right little finger during the WTC final.

Teenager Sam Konstas has been named in the squad and could potentially make his Test debut at the top of the order. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has also earned a recall. Smith, who avoided surgery, remains a possibility for the second Test in Grenada if his recovery goes as planned.

The visitors are expected to announce their playing XI closer to the start of the first Test, with decisions still pending regarding their batting order and combination.

As both teams look to start the new WTC cycle on a strong note, all eyes will be on the historic ground in Barbados where a fresh chapter in West Indies cricket begins, and a new-look Australia seeks to stamp its authority.

Kensington Oval Pitch Report:

The Kensington Oval pitch in Barbados is typically considered favorable for batting, providing consistent pace and bounce as the match wears on. Early on, however, fast bowlers may benefit from some seam movement, posing a test for batters trying to get set. While the surface doesn’t usually offer significant turn for spinners, they can still play a key role through disciplined lines and subtle variations.

Also READ: Marnus Labuschagne dropped, Steve Smith ruled out for 1st Test against West Indies; Australia name replacements