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Australia‘s journey in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle begins in the West Indies, where they are set to play a three-match Test series followed by five T20 Internationals.
Australia begin fresh WTC cycle with West Indies challenge after final loss
The tour comes in the wake of a disappointing defeat in the WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s, which exposed some frailties in the Australian side. Looking to bounce back and regain momentum, the Australians will face a rejuvenated West Indies side starting June 25 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados – a historic venue known for its rich cricketing legacy.
However, the Aussies have already been dealt an early setback. Steve Smith, one of their most experienced batters, has been ruled out of the first Test due to a finger injury sustained during the WTC final. Adding to their concerns, Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the Test squad after enduring a lean patch with the bat in recent outings. These omissions leave a significant void in Australia’s top-order, forcing them to rely on less experienced players to anchor their innings in tough Caribbean conditions.
West Indies usher in a new era with leadership shift and strategic recalls
The West Indies, meanwhile, will enter the new WTC cycle with a restructured squad and renewed ambitions. Roston Chase has been handed the reins as the new Test captain, replacing Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down earlier this year. Chase, who has not played a Test match in over two years, will be under scrutiny as he attempts to inspire a team that finished eighth in the previous WTC cycle with just three wins from 13 games.
Shai Hope, the white-ball captain and an elegant stroke-maker, has also been recalled and is expected to don the wicketkeeping gloves after Joshua Da Silva was dropped. If included in the XI, it would mark Hope’s first Test appearance since 2021. With the likes of Hope, Chase and other dynamic young talents like Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze in the ranks, the Windies are eyeing a revival on home turf, buoyed by the familiar conditions and a clean slate in the new cycle.
Nathan Lyon identifies West Indies’ threats despite unfamiliar faces
Meanwhile, veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, who went wicketless in the WTC final, admitted that the West Indies present a fresh and somewhat unfamiliar challenge. Speaking to Cricket Australia, Lyon revealed his curiosity about the significantly changed Windies squad. “There’s a lot of changes. I’ve been walking around the group, scratching my head here at the hotel going if I happen to come across this guy or that guy,” Lyon admitted with a chuckle, pointing out the new-look lineup.
However, Lyon singled out three key players Australia must be wary of. First is Hope, whom Lyon described as ‘an exceptional cricketer’ with ‘unbelievable batting skills’ capable of anchoring innings or counterattacking under pressure. Second is Chase, now captain, who brings experience, composure, and all-round ability to the table. And finally, he mentioned Jomel Warrican, the left-arm spinner and now vice-captain, who could pose problems for Australia’s right-hand-heavy batting line-up on turning tracks. Lyon emphasized that while there are many new faces, the Australians will focus on their preparation and adapt quickly to what’s presented in front of them.
“So it’s going to be a totally different squad to what we probably faced back in Australia a couple years ago. But the likes of the additions of Shai Hope, he’s an exceptional cricketer, unbelievable batter. So he’s going to provide a different challenge and obviously under new leadership with Rostan Chase and I think Jomel Warwick is their vice captain. So it’s going to be a totally different squad that we’ve come across recently. But at the end of the day, if we control our preparation and prepare well, then we’ll play what’s out in front of us and problem solve as quick as we can,” Lyon said.
