Published on: Jul 2, 2025 11:56 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 4, 2025 10:05 am IST
The Aussie returned to the Caribbean after 10 long years to play a Test series, and boy, haven’t they started with a bang? After decimating the hosts, West Indies, by 159 runs at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, the stoked-up Australian team will head to the National Cricket Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada, for the second Test of the series.
Despite being in the driver’s seat in the first innings of the Barbados Test, the hosts lost momentum and ultimately perished on the third day to hand Australia a win in the opening Test, who have now gone 1-0 up in the series. The Aussies know how to put their opposition under pressure, and after decimating West Indies in the series opener, they will look to impose further damage on the hosts in the second Test.
With Steven Smith returning to the setup for the second Test, the visitors will be even more dangerous now. Smith missed the last game due to a finger injury. He will be taking his favorite No. 4 spot in the batting order, replacing Josh Inglis. As far as the hosts are concerned, their bowling looked lethal in the last Test, but the batters need to support their bowlers. Batters should take responsibility to post big scores so that the opposition can get under some sort of pressure.
Let’s delve deeper into this post for the WI vs AUS Dream11 prediction.
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Date: 3rd July 2025 Time: 07:30 PM IST Venue: National Cricket Stadium, St Georges, Grenada
Matches Played: 121 AUS won: 62 WI won: 33 Draw: 25 Tied: 1
Australia and the West Indies share a storied rivalry in Test cricket, having locked horns 121 times over the decades. Australia have had the upper hand in the contest, winning 62 matches, while the West Indies have claimed victory on 33 occasions. The remaining 25 encounters ended in a draw, highlighting the long-standing battle between two proud cricketing nations.
The pitch at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, is expected to be a good one for batting, especially in the early stages of the Test. The surface offers a flat and even bounce, allowing batters to play their shots with confidence. However, as the match progresses, the pitch tends to wear down, bringing spinners into the equation from Day 3 onward. Fast bowlers may find some assistance with the new ball, particularly in the morning sessions. With no prior Test history at this venue, both teams will be navigating unfamiliar conditions, making adaptability a key factor in determining the outcome.
Here are some key Test match stats of National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada:
WI vs AUS Team News and Expected Playing XI
WI Expected Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite, Mikyle Louis/John Campbell, Brandon King, Shai Hope (WK), Keacy Carty, Roston Chase (C), Justin Greaves, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, Jomel Warrican
AUS Expected Playing XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (WK), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
As per the betting odds provided by most of the bettors, the visitors, Australia, are tipped as the favorites to win this match and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match test series.
The all-important clash between West Indies and Australia will be played on Thursday, July 3, at 7:30 PM (IST). Online live streaming will take place on the FanCode app. There is no TV streaming available for this series in India.
Wicket-keepers: Alex Carey, Shai Hope Batters: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Keacy Carty, Steve Smith All-Rounders: Roston Chase Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
C/VC Options- Travis Head, Shamar Joseph, Steven Smith, Shai Hope