WI vs AUS, 1st Test Preview | New-look Aussies seek fresh beginnings in first Caribbean visit since 2016

Such is the cricketing universe though that despite the huge contrast in fortunes, both teams have rung out the changes and opted for a new look for the new beginning. The Caribbean outfit have been particularly brutal with their selections and have dropped seven players from their last Test assignment in Pakistan. This includes wicket-keeper batter Joshua da Silva who enjoyed a fruitful domestic season and the incumbent leader of their pace attack, Kemar Roach. Most surprising however has been the decision to hand over captaincy to Roston Chase after Kraigg Brathwaite vacated the spot, given the all-rounder last played a Test match over two years ago in 2023. Australia, on the other hand, have finally decided to drop Marnus Labuschagne after sticking him though a horrid patch spanning years.

Despite the parity the form book and historical records seem to suggest, the Windies can bank on the fact that the last time these two teams met, they defied all odds to win an all-time great Test at the Gabba that left the likes of Brian Lara and Gordon Greenidge in tears. Whether those heroics can be repeated is a question only time can answer.

WI:  W L L W L

Despite a decade of West Indian dominance in the 1980s, the consistency of Australia before and since means the Men from Down Under boast a heavily one-sided head-to-head record against the Caribbean nation. The Aussies have won 61 Tests and lost just 33 times, with 25 draws and a tie to go with it. This includes just two losses in the 21st century, and their last defeat on Caribbean soil in 2003. 

In the eight Tests that have produced a result at Kensington Oval since 2010, five have been won by the team chasing and three by the team batting first. The pitch historically aids batters early on with something in it for the seamers but as the sun beats down, the deck tends to become slower and bring the spinners into play. A first look at the deck to be used on Wednesday suggests a similar pattern, with a healthy covering of grass and dry patches the standout features.

Australia have made the big call of dropping veteran Marnus Labuschagne after a sustained poor patch and with Steve Smith unavailable for the first Test with a finger injury, the Baggy Greens will play a Test without either of the duo for the first time in seven years. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis have been roped in as replacements and are expected to slot straight into the XI, with Cameron Green likely to continue at three and Matt Kuhnemann the second specialist spinner over third seamer Josh hazlewood.

AUS Probable XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon