After losing the World Test Championship just a few weeks ago, the Australian Test team will be back in action this week as they travel to the West Indies to embark on a three match Test series. Check out our preview and betting tips for the 1st Test from Barbados below.
West Indies vs Australia: 1st Test Betting Tips
Barbados, Thursday, 26th July, 12am (AEDT)
The Future is Now: Young Windies Ready to Make Their Mark
This is it for the West Indies. A culmination of a Test revitalisation in the Caribbean that has spanned the better part of the last decade. Poor commitment to Test cricket at both player and organisational levels by the Windies in recent history saw them slide in the rankings and fail to book any major series on their shores.
However, the investment in youth as well as rewarding young players who are eagre to play the longer form culminated in Australia in the summer of 2023/24 when they tied the two match Test series 1-1 with the Aussies. Their fast bowling contingent is now absolutely world class with the likes of Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales. It was the catalyst of their win in Australia and you can bet the pitches will cater to their strengths in this three match series.
The batting department is where the West Indies could face some potential issues against a world class Aussie attack. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite and wicketkeeper Shai Hope are the only household names in the top six, with the rest likely being made up of largely unproven talent.
Predicted West Indies XI: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Kelvon Anderson, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican
Fresh Chapter, Familiar Firepower: Aussies Hunt Redemption in the Caribbean
The Aussies era of Test dominance came to a crashing halt at Lords a few weeks ago, where they were comfortably handled by South Africa in the World Test Championship. While their bowling unit was largely as reliable as ever, it was their shaky batting line-up
With the top four out of form, there is too much pressure resting on the shoulders of Travis Head and Alex Carey at the moment, which has forced the Australian selectors to make the early call to leave Marnus Labuschagne out of the side for the first Test. Cameron Green’s spot at No.3 could have also been in danger if not for the injury of Steve Smith, meaning Josh Inglis will already be required.
The bowling attack will purr along like it has for the better part of the decade. Cummins and Starc will likely both play, with the third seaming option potentially going to Scott Boland should Hazlewood need a rest post WTC Final.
Predicted Australia XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
West Indies vs Australia 1st Test Tip
I think the change back to the Kookaburra bowl and playing in conditions that will feel far more familiar to Australia should serve the Aussies well here. They are deserved favourites, but I do think the $5.25 pricetag on offer for the West Indies is extremely juicy here. The fast bowling attack they possess is now capable of matching it with the best Test teams in the world, and while it’s true that they do have some glaring deficiencies in the batting department - so do the Aussies!
I think there’s a strong likelihood that this match will be played in a similar vein to the World Test Championship Final. Meaning that seam bowling will dominate most of the sessions and the batsmen will struggle to get a foothold on what will likely be a quick and bouncy pitch.
The West Indies may be underdogs, but they enter the first Test with a youthful squad brimming with hunger, home advantage, and a point to prove. With Australia undergoing a small period of transition, the door is ajar for a West Indies side who will be full of confidence after beating Australia in their last meeting.
