West Indies vs Australia Preview & Prediction | First Test

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On the back of losing the World Test Championship final against South Africa, Australia’s next red-ball assignment comes in the Caribbean against West Indies.

Date/time:

Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

Weather: Potential thundery showers on days two and four, but dry otherwise with light cloudy, sunny intervals and temperatures within the late twenties.

How to watch: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Willow TV

West Indies vs Australia prediction

You have to go back to January for the last time West Indies played Test cricket, securing a 1-1 series draw away at Pakistan, winning the second Test by 120 runs in Multan. However, Australia will provide a far stiffer challenge, particularly a hurt Australia who are still smarting after being beaten by South Africa at Lord’s. This despite them having their strongest bowling attack available. But the batting disappointed and changes will be made.

Steve Smith is an enforced absence, out with a finger injury whilst Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped. Sam Konstas is expected to open alongside Usman Khawaja with Travis Head likely to move up the order. Josh Inglis will replace Steve Smith and Matthew Kuhnemann offers a second spin option if needed. 

West Indies are missing vastly experienced pacer Kemar Roach and although they do boast an exciting young pace bowling attack, highlighted by the excellent Jayden Seales, Roach’s reliability is a big loss for the Windies. It also remains to be seen how their batters will cope against Australia’s arsenal of world class pace bowlers.

Although West Indies have home advantage, Australia looks stronger on paper, although there are certainly more questions than answers over their batting at present. But on this occasion, back the Australian bowlers to pull them through and lead the tourists to victory in this opening Test match.

West Indies vs Australia tip: Australia to win