Australia Test XI: New Faces and Key Backings for West Indies Series Opener

Australia Test XI: A Fresh Look for the West Indies Series Opener
New Faces, New Era as Aussies Begin WTC 2025-27 Campaign

Australia’s Test team is undergoing a significant generational shift, and the first Test against the West Indies marks a bold step in that direction. For the first time since December 2018, Australia will take the field without both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, ushering in a new batting order led by emerging stars and tested performers. With the match beginning Wednesday, this Test also signals Australia’s opening chapter in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Australia Test XI

🏏 Key Absences: Smith Injured, Labuschagne Dropped

The absence of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne—two pillars of Australia’s middle order for over half a decade—was always going to raise questions. But circumstances demanded it:

• Steve Smith is ruled out due to a finger injury, breaking a 15-year streak of Test dominance.
• Marnus Labuschagne, on the other hand, has paid the price for extended poor form. The right-hander has averaged just 16.16 in Tests during 2025, failing to pass 30 in his last seven innings. His last century came in July 2023, making his exclusion less surprising and more strategic.

🔄 New-Look Batting Order Australia Test XI

✅ Sam Konstas Returns at the Top Australia Test XI

Making his return to the side is young opener Sam Konstas, who partners veteran Usman Khawaja. Konstas made headlines earlier this year with his counterattacking debut against Jasprit Bumrah and India, showing fearlessness and flair at the SCG. With Labuschagne’s exclusion, the door was wide open for the aggressive right-hander to reclaim his spot.

✅ Cameron Green at No. 3 Australia Test XI

In a move signaling long-term planning, Cameron Green has been promoted to the pivotal No. 3 position. Green has limited exposure at first drop—most notably when he scored just four runs in the WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s. Still, the team sees Green’s tall frame, technique, and composure as qualities worth nurturing at the top.

✅ Josh Inglis: Smith’s Successor at No. 4 Australia Test XI

Filling Smith’s No. 4 role is Josh Inglis, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter with a growing reputation. Inglis has a Test century in just two appearances and boasts a strong first-class record:

• 3,109 runs @ 36.74
• 8 centuries, known for converting starts.

With his ability to counter-attack and play spin well, Inglis could be a key cog in Australia’s middle order moving forward.

Australia have announced their playing XI for the first Test against West Indies.#AUSvWI #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Qx3dbEbBkk

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) June 24, 2025

✅ Middle and Lower Middle Order Australia Test XI

• Travis Head continues at No. 5, expected to be the aggressor-in-chief.
• Beau Webster, the all-rounder with an elegant batting style, is trusted at No. 6.
• Alex Carey, back to his primary role as wicketkeeper, slots in at No. 7.

⚙️ Bowling Attack Remains Unchanged Australia Test XI

While the batting has seen a major overhaul, the bowling core remains unchanged and world-class:

• Pat Cummins (c) – Leading with ball and brain.
• Mitchell Starc – The left-arm spearhead.
• Josh Hazlewood – Reliable and relentless.
• Nathan Lyon – Veteran off-spinner, crucial for control and experience.

This quartet has been the bedrock of Australian Test success and will look to set the tone against a developing West Indies batting unit.

📈 World Test Championship Stakes

This three-match series holds crucial WTC points for both sides. Australia, having narrowly missed out on defending their WTC title earlier this year, will be desperate to start strong. Australia Test XI

For Australia, the West Indies series is not just about winning—it’s about: Australia Test XI

• Testing new combinations.
• Giving extended runs to promising players.
• Building momentum ahead of upcoming marquee clashes (including the Ashes and India series later in the cycle).

✅ Australia’s XI for 1st Test vs West Indies: Australia Test XI

1. Usman Khawaja
2. Sam Konstas
3. Cameron Green
4. Josh Inglis
5. Travis Head
6. Beau Webster
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Pat Cummins (c)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood

🧠 Final Take: A Transitional but Competitive XI

This Australian Test XI reflects both continuity and change. The selectors have made bold yet calculated moves, placing faith in youth while holding firm with a world-class bowling lineup.

The absence of Smith and Labuschagne may feel like the end of an era, but the rise of Konstas, Green, and Inglis signals a team ready to evolve.

With a home series against the West Indies to begin their WTC campaign, there’s no better stage to test this fresh combination—and perhaps set the tone for a new chapter in Australian cricket.

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