With Australia leading the series 2-0, the final Test in Kingston offers the West Indies a chance to salvage pride and the Australians an opportunity to complete a clean sweep. The historic Sabina Park, under the lights, sets the stage for what could be a thrilling encounter.
Check out our full preview and betting tips for the 3rd Test between the West Indies and Australia below.
West Indies vs Australia: 3rd Test Betting Tips
Kingston, Sunday, 13th July, 4.30am (AEDT)
Windies Searching for Redemption in Dead Rubber
The West Indies' batting lineup has struggled throughout the series. Despite a spirited lower-order fightback in Grenada, where they posted 253 in the first innings, the top order has failed to provide a solid foundation. Captain Roston Chase and opener Kraigg Brathwaite have been unable to convert starts into significant scores, leaving the middle and lower order with too much to do.
The bowling attack, led by Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales, has shown glimpses of potential but lacked consistency. Seales, in particular, impressed with early breakthroughs in Grenada, but the attack as a whole has struggled to maintain pressure on the Australian batsmen.
With the series already lost, the West Indies might consider bringing in fresh faces. Anderson Phillip is a seamer waiting in the wings, and could be a key inclusion if fit, and there might be opportunities for players like Kevlon Anderson or Mikyle Louis to prove themselves. Joshua Da Silva's complete omission from the squad has been baffling to me, and seeing him make a return behind the stumps would be the right call in my opinion (although unlikely).
Predicted West Indies XI: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Alzarri Joseph, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
Aussies March Towards Clean Sweep
Australia's batting has been anchored by the middle order, with Travis Head and Alex Carey stepping up when needed. Carey's patient 74* in Port of Spain was instrumental in securing victory. However, the top order remains a concern, with Sam Konstas averaging only 18.25 across four Tests.
The Australian bowling unit has been relentless. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon carrying the load in the 2nd Test, with Starc nearing the 400-wicket milestone. Their combined efforts have kept the West Indies under constant pressure.
With the series secured, you’d think that Scott Boland will certainly get his long awaited opportunity after missing out in both of the first two Tests as well as the earlier World Test Championship Final. Hazlewood is due a rest. The dead rubber would have also provided a good chance for selectors to move some pieces in the top order, but with limited batting depth in the squad, that’s probably unlikely.
Predicted Australia XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Head Top AUS Runs (1st Inn)
$5.00
West Indies vs Australia 3rd Test Tip
Given the current form and depth of the Australian squad, they are well-positioned to secure a 3-0 series victory. The West Indies will need a significant turnaround in both batting and bowling to challenge the visitors.
However, the day-night conditions at Sabina Park introduce an element of unpredictability. If the West Indies can exploit the conditions early, especially with the pink ball under lights, they might pose a challenge. Yet, considering the overall performance in the series, I think Australia will be too strong once again here.
Not much value in the H2H, I’m looking to Travis Head as the top Australia runscorer in the 1st inning. He is a proven pink ball player, averaging 54.18 in pink ball Tests, by far the best of any Australian in the line-up.
