Australia announce playing XI for first Test against West Indies

Australia have announced their playing XI for the first Test of the three-match series against West Indies, scheduled to begin on Wednesday. This series marks the beginning of both teams' campaigns in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.

The squad includes some notable changes from the side that lost the WTC 2023-25 final to South Africa earlier this month at Lord’s.

Teenager Sam Konstas makes a return to the Test side after debuting in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India last year. The 19-year-old impressed during his two-Test stint but was rested for the tours of Sri Lanka and the WTC final. He replaces Marnus Labuschagne, who had opened the innings in the final but failed to make an impact with scores of 17 and 22. As a result, Labuschagne has been dropped.

Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis also returns to the lineup, replacing Steve Smith, who is unavailable due to a finger injury sustained during the WTC final. This will be the first time since December 2018 that Australia will field a Test side without both Smith and Labuschagne.

Apart from these changes, the rest of the team remains unchanged. Pat Cummins continues as captain, with support from experienced players like Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.

Australia playing XI for first Test against West Indies:

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

The Test is crucial for both sides as they aim to start their WTC 2025-27 journey with a strong performance.