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Australia kick off their ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign with a three-Test series in the West Indies, followed by five T20Is. The tour comes on the heels of a disappointing WTC final loss to South Africa at Lord’s, exposing gaps in their lineup. Looking to reset and regain momentum, the Aussies begin their red-ball campaign at the historic Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 25.
Australia begins WTC 2025–27 cycle with West Indies Tests
However, Australia’s plans have taken an early hit. Steve Smith has been ruled out of the first Test due to a finger injury from the WTC final, while Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped after a prolonged dip in form. These top-order absences put added pressure on younger batters to step up in challenging Caribbean conditions.
The West Indies, too, start afresh with changes in leadership and personnel. Roston Chase, making a return to Test cricket after over two years, takes over as captain from Kraigg Brathwaite. His appointment signals a new direction as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing previous cycle, where they won just three of 13 Tests.
Shai Hope, the current white-ball skipper, has been recalled and is likely to keep wickets after the exclusion of Joshua Da Silva. If selected, it would be Hope’s first Test appearance since 2021. With a blend of experience and young talents like Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze, the Windies are banking on home conditions and renewed energy to script a revival.
Weather forecast for five days at Bridgetown
- Wednesday (June 25): Barbados is expected to remain warm and humid, with daytime temperatures peaking at 30°C and lows around 26°C. The skies will stay partly cloudy with no precipitation expected, offering ideal conditions for uninterrupted play. Wind speeds may touch 27 km/h, providing some breeze across the ground.
- Thursday (June 26): Thursday’s forecast continues to show consistent weather, with highs at 30°C and similar humidity levels around 85%. No rain is predicted, though overcast spells could intermittently appear during the session. Steady trade winds should assist bowlers looking to generate swing.
- Friday (June 27): Weather remains favorable for cricket with temperatures holding steady at 30°C/26°C and zero chance of rainfall. Cloud cover is expected to be light, ensuring mostly sunny intervals and excellent visibility. Humidity remains high, which may test player endurance on field.
- Saturday (June 28): The weather takes a turn as light to moderate rain is expected, particularly in the afternoon and evening sessions. While the temperature stays warm at 29°C/26°C, overcast skies and intermittent showers could lead to delays or shortened play. Match officials may need to monitor radar frequently.
- Sunday (June 29): Rain returns on the final day with a higher chance of showers throughout, potentially disrupting play at crucial stages. Temperatures hover around 30°C/26°C, but persistent cloud cover and wet outfield conditions may lead to longer interruptions. A result could be harder to force if delays stretch across sessions.
