Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
Australia are back in action soon after their defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, with the first of three Tests against West Indies kicking off on June 25. The Australians made a big decision in dropping Marnus Labuschagne following the loss. Also, they will be without Steve Smith for at least the opening match due to a nasty finger injury he picked up in the final.
So, two of Australia’s batting linchpins between the 2019-2022 period are out of this clash. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis are confirmed starters, but where Inglis bats is the big topic of conversation.
Australia predicted XI vs West Indies: Where will Josh Inglis bat?
Australia XI (possible): 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
Cameron Green was all at sea in the WTC Final, although he copped two excellent deliveries by Kagiso Rabada. However, Australia will persist with him at number three.
“We see (Green at three) as a long-term option,” captain Pat Cummins said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.
“He’s hitting the ball really well; he’s moving really well. He had a Test match where it didn’t go to plan, and he only faced (five) balls.
“The message is not to look into that too much. We’re really happy with where his game is placed and I dare say he’ll get a decent run at number three.”
A report by abc.net.au on the 24th of June state that Inglis batting at three was a possibility, but Australia have opted to put him at four.
“I think it’s just because I have done it, I feel comfortable going into different positions,” Inglis said to the media at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
“I’ve batted at the top in white-ball cricket and in the middle, so I’ve become accustomed to moving around a fair bit, and [it’s] something I pride myself on.”
With a new look team, Australia will be banking on their experienced batters, as well as their first-choice bowling attack, to make a strong start to the new WTC cycle. Pat Cummins’ team are undoubtedly favourites to win in the Caribbean, but they will be wary of any complacency given what Shamar Joseph did down under back in early 2024.
Australia tour of West Indies 2025 Test series schedule:
- 1st Test, Kensington Oval Barbados, June 25-29 2025.
- 2nd Test, National Cricket Stadium Grenada, July 3-7 2025.
- 3rd Test (D/N), Sabina Park Jamaica, July 12-16 2025.
