Australia vs West Indies: Australia Opts to Bat First
📍 Grenada, July 3 — In a much-anticipated Australia vs West Indies clash at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada, Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first, giving Australia’s top order yet another opportunity to prove themselves against a fiery West Indian pace attack.
This Test marks a significant milestone for both teams. For Australia, it’s their first-ever Test at this venue, while for the West Indies, it’s a landmark occasion as skipper Kraigg Brathwaite becomes just the 10th West Indian to feature in 100 Tests and the third from Barbados to reach this elite milestone.
🔁 Australia vs West Indies : Team News and Tactical Moves
West Indies made a bold bowling change by bringing in Anderson Phillip, a right-arm seamer, in place of left-arm spinner and vice-captain Jomel Warrican. This move signals a pace-heavy strategy, with four frontline seamers—Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Phillip—backed by Justin Greaves as the all-rounder. Spin duties fall solely on the shoulders of captain Roston Chase.
Australia, staying true to tradition, confirmed their playing XI a day prior. The major update is the return of Steven Smith, replacing Josh Inglis. Smith, though still wearing a splint from his dislocated finger injury in the WTC final, is fit to bat. However, he is unlikely to field in his usual slips position.
🧢 Australia’s Batting Order Under Watch
The top order—Sam Konstas and Cameron Green—are under the scanner. Konstas is eyeing a solid start to cement his place, while Green is still working his way back into rhythm post-injury. Smith’s presence lends much-needed experience to a lineup that has looked brittle in recent innings.
With Usman Khawaja and Travis Head flanking the middle order and Alex Carey providing stability as wicketkeeper, the Australians will aim to post a strong first innings total on what looks like a decent batting track.
🎯 Milestone Watch: Starc & Lyon Chasing History
Two key Aussie bowlers are on the brink of major Test cricket records:
- Mitchell Starc is just 9 wickets away from reaching 400 Test wickets, which would make him the fifth Australian to achieve the feat.
- Nathan Lyon needs 8 more wickets to become Australia’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, overtaking Glenn McGrath and trailing only Shane Warne.
🧑🤝🧑 Australia vs West Indies : Playing XIs
West Indies:
- Kraigg Brathwaite (100th Test)
- John Campbell
- Keacy Carty
- Brandon King
- Roston Chase (captain)
- Shai Hope (wk)
- Justin Greaves
- Alzarri Joseph
- Shamar Joseph
- Jayden Seales
- Anderson Phillip
Australia:
- Sam Konstas
- Usman Khawaja
- Cameron Green
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
🌍 Australia vs West Indies Global Appeal
This Australia vs West Indies Test isn’t just a battle on the field—it holds global interest. Fans from Brisbane to Barbados are keenly watching every over. It’s not only a Test of endurance and talent but a celebration of cricketing heritage as West Indies and Australia continue their storied rivalry.
❓ FAQs
Q. Who won the toss in the Australia vs West Indies Test?
Australia won the toss and chose to bat first.
Q. What milestone did Kraigg Brathwaite achieve?
Brathwaite became the 10th West Indian cricketer to play 100 Tests.
Q. What are the key changes in both teams?
Australia brought back Steven Smith; West Indies replaced spinner Warrican with pacer Anderson Phillip.
Q. How close is Mitchell Starc to 400 Test wickets?
He is just 9 wickets away from the milestone.
Q. Where is the Test match being played?
The match is being held in Grenada, at the National Cricket Stadium.
Stay tuned for live updates and detailed match analysis on devbhoomiscoop.com.
