WI vs AUS, 2025: West Indies vs Australia, 2nd Test Match Preview

West Indies are set to face Australia in the second Test at the National Cricket Stadium in St George's, Grenada, starting on Thursday, July 2. The Caribbean side is trailing 0-1 in the three-match series.

The Roston Chase-led side showed commendable fight in the first two innings of the first Test at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Shamar Joseph haunted the Aussie batters once again, and Jayden Seales gave him great support. They bagged four and five wickets, respectively, as Australia were bowled out for 180. Travis Head played a crucial 59-run knock after coming in to bat at the score of 22/3.

Chase and Shai Hope scored 44 and 48 runs, respectively, to help West Indies take a slender 10-run lead in the first innings. Australia didn't have a great start as their top order faltered yet again. West Indies were right on top as they took four wickets, with Australia's lead only being 55. However, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, and Head scored important half-centuries to help the tourists get past the 300-run mark. Shamar was the pick of the bowlers, bagging a four-for.

The West Indies needed 301 runs to chase down in the fourth innings. The batters failed to tackle the Australian seamers, who were brilliant with their lines and lengths. The hosts folded for 141, as Australia won by 159 runs. Josh Hazlewood starred with a five-for.

Steve Smith missed the first Test due to a finger injury, but he is expected to be back in the lineup. However, he may not be fielding at slips. Australia's top order has looked fragile of late, and Smith's inclusion is going to be a welcome boost for the Pat Cummins-led side. Josh Inglis registered scores of 5 and 12 in the first Test, and he could make way for the former Australian captain.

West Indies fielders put down several catches in the first Test. Head coach Daren Sammy will hope for a much better fielding effort from his players. The batters will also have to show more grit and determination.

Match Details

National Cricket Stadium, St George's Pitch Report

The National Cricket Stadium in St George's, Grenada, has hosted only four Test matches since 2002. Teams chasing in the fourth innings have won three games. One of the matches ended in a draw. Seamers are expected to get a lot of assistance from the surface. Batters will have to be compact with their technique. Spinners might not play a massive role.

WI vs AUS Head-to-Head Record in Tests:

WI vs AUS Probable Playing XI

West Indies:

Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (C), Shai Hope (WK), Justin Greaves, Alzarri Joseph, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.

Australia:

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis/Steve Smith, Alex Carey (WK), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.