The CWI has announced the West Indies playing 11 for the first test of Australia’s tour of the West Indies, which is set to begin on June 25 at Kensington Oval.
With Roston Chase set to make his captaincy debut, Shai Hope and John Campbell have been returned to the test side after four and three respectively.
Hope will be taking over wicketkeeping duties and will bat at number six. He last played for the West Indies back in 2021 and is returning to the team with a new responsibility.
“We’re looking to play with a bit more flair and bring back that Caribbean style to the game,” Chase said.
“We’re just looking forward to making the Caribbean nation proud. I just want to ask the fans to just support the boys through and through.”
The playing XI for the 1st Test v Australia at Kensington Oval.🔥#WIvAUS | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/m3yJdvvCyd
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 24, 2025
Meanwhile Campbell is back to opening the innings, having last played a Test back in 2022. Brandon King will make his test debut, six years after playing his first match for the West Indies. He has played 52 ODIs and 63 T20Is so far and is one of key players of the team in the shortest format of the game.
On the other hand, Australia has named their playing 11 where star batter Steve Smith has been not named due to finger injury he sustained during the WTC finals.
Marnus Labuschagne has also been dropped following consistent low returns and Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis have been including in the playing Xl.
The test series will marks the new WTC cycle for both the sides which will be concluded on July 16.
West Indies Playing 11: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase, Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
Australia Playing 11: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
