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The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle is set to begin with a riveting three-match Test series between Australia and the West Indies in the Caribbean, starting on June 25. This opening clash marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for both teams, each carrying distinct ambitions, lingering scars, and renewed leadership.
Australia look to heal wounds after WTC 2025 final defeat
For Australia, the series comes on the heels of a bitter loss in the WTC 2023–25 final, where they were convincingly beaten by South Africa at Lord’s. That defeat not only ended their reign as defending champions but also exposed cracks in their otherwise consistent red-ball dominance. Keen to regroup and refocus, the Aussies will now begin their 2025–27 campaign with determination—but they do so without the calming presence of Steve Smith, who has been ruled out due to injury. Smith’s absence leaves a significant hole in the middle order, and Australia will look to emerging batters to step up on foreign soil.
Captain Pat Cummins continues to lead a seasoned squad, boasting world-class talent in the form of Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. Yet, questions loom about their adaptability to Caribbean pitches and how they’ll adjust their bowling attack in spin-friendly conditions, particularly in Barbados.
A new dawn for West Indies under Roston Chase
On the other hand, this series represents a new era for West Indies, who begin their WTC campaign under the stewardship of newly appointed Test captain Roston Chase. Known for his calm temperament and all-round capabilities, Chase has taken over the reins at a time when the Caribbean side is eager to restore pride in the longest format of the game.
The West Indies endured a forgettable WTC 2023–25 cycle, finishing 8th on the table, managing just three victories across the two-year span. Plagued by inconsistency and a lack of batting depth, the team struggled to compete against stronger Test nations. However, with the dawn of a new cycle and the added motivation of playing at home, the Windies will be desperate to shake off that past and make a bold statement. Home advantage could be a major factor, especially at venues like the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, where the first Test will be played.
Squads:
West Indies: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
Australia Tour of West Indies 2025: Complete Test series schedule and venue details
| Test No. | Dates | Match Details | Venue | Start Time (GMT / IST / Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Jun 25 (Fri) – Jun 29 (Tue) | West Indies vs Australia | Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados | 02:00 PM GMT / 07:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM Local |
| 2nd Test | Jul 03 (Wed) – Jul 07 (Sun) | West Indies vs Australia | National Cricket Stadium, St Georges, Grenada | 02:00 PM GMT / 07:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM Local |
| 3rd Test | Jul 12 (Thu) – Jul 16 (Mon) | West Indies vs Australia | Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica | 02:00 PM GMT / 07:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM Local |
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Fancode
- Australia: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go, Disney+, Fetch TV
- West Indies: ESPN [Sign-up here], Disney+
- South Africa: SuperSport
- Pakistan: Tapmad
- UK: TNT Sports 1 (408 on BT TV, 870 on Sky)
- New Zealand: Sky NZ
Also READ: WI vs AUS 2025: Bridgetown Weather Forecast for the first Test | West Indies vs Australia
