Australia have called back their star opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and fast bowler Xavier Bartlett for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. The two players, who were not part of the original 16-member squad, have been included as replacements for Spencer Johnson (due to a back injury) and Josh Hazlewood (due to workload management).

Fraser-McGurk, who is also popular in the IPL for playing with the Delhi Capitals, recently missed out on a central contract. He will now be keen to perform well and restart his international career in the Caribbean. On the other hand, Bartlett, the PBKS star, joins the squad as Hazlewood returns home to prepare for next month’s series against South Africa.

Fraser-McGurk Struggles with Form, Bartlett Impresses

Fraser-McGurk, who averages 16.14 in T20Is and 14.00 in ODIs, started his recent Major League Cricket journey with the San Francisco Unicorns on a strong note. He scored half-centuries against New York and Los Angeles. However, after that, the right-handed batter failed to keep up the momentum, posting low scores of 34, 3, 35, 3, 0, and 4.

On the other hand, Xavier Bartlett has performed well in his short international career. In just nine matches, he has taken 22 wickets and impressed with his outswing bowling and great control with the new ball.

Australia Aims to Keep Winning Form

The first T20I between West Indies and Australia will take place at Sabina Park, Kingston on Monday, July 12. Australia have been in good T20I form recently, winning 12 of their last 14 matches. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup coming up next year in India and Sri Lanka, the team will look to continue this winning streak.

Mitchell Marsh, who is in great form, will lead the team. Senior players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head will return home after playing in the Test series win over the West Indies.

The five T20Is will be played from July 21 to July 29, with two matches in Kingston and three in Basseterre.

Australia’s T20I Squad vs West Indies:

Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Inglis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

After an absorbing 1st day, Australia and the West Indies are ready for more action on Day 2 of the 2025 series. The Aussies, led by home conditions, will be eager to seal up the series. Meanwhile, the boys from the Caribbean are eager to lift their game as their natural speed and no-fear attitude aim to put some fear in the minds of the hosts. With stars like Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Shai Hope, and Shamar Joseph on show, fans can expect five days of high-quality cricket, fiery exchanges, and possibly a few surprises. The red ball is ready to swing, and so are the fortunes of both teams! Will experience triumph, or will youthful energy script a twist?
Let the battle begin!

Match Details – AUS vs WI, 2nd Test
Match: Australia vs West Indies, 2nd Test
Series: West Indies Tour of Australia 2025
Date: Today, July 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Australia National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada

Where to Watch the Match Live

• India:

• TV Broadcast: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD
• Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar (Available on mobile, desktop, and smart TVs)

• Australia:

• TV Broadcast: Fox Cricket
• Live Streaming: Kayo Sports & Foxtel Go

• West Indies:

• TV Broadcast: SportsMax
• Live Streaming: SportsMax App

ALSO READ: OTD: Ravindra Jadeja's heroics earned India the 2013 Champions Trophy defeating England

WI vs AUS Predicted Playing XI
Australia Playing XI 

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

West Indies Playing XI

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

After an absorbing 1st day, Australia and the West Indies are ready for more action on Day 2 of the 2025 series. The Aussies, led by home conditions, will be eager to seal up the series. Meanwhile, the boys from the Caribbean are eager to lift their game as their natural speed and no-fear attitude aim to put some fear in the minds of the hosts. With stars like Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Shai Hope, and Shamar Joseph on show, fans can expect five days of high-quality cricket, fiery exchanges, and possibly a few surprises. The red ball is ready to swing, and so are the fortunes of both teams! Will experience triumph, or will youthful energy script a twist?
Let the battle begin!

Match Details – AUS vs WI, 2nd Test
Match: Australia vs West Indies, 2nd Test
Series: West Indies Tour of Australia 2025
Date: Today, July 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Australia National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada

Usman Khawaja vs Jayden Seales
Khawaja’s patience and footwork will be crucial against Seales’ disciplined line and seam movement, especially under early morning conditions.
Beau Webster vs Jomel Warrican
Webster, still cementing his spot, faces the crafty left-arm spin of Warrican, who thrives in exploiting new middle-order batters.
Shai Hope vs Mitchell Starc
Hope, WI’s anchor, will need to handle Starc’s swinging thunderbolts with precision, especially with the new ball under lights.
Cameron Green vs Alzarri Joseph
Green's tall frame and solid technique face a true challenge in Alzarri’s skiddy pace and short-ball barrage.
Brandon King vs Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood’s accuracy and consistency make him a nightmare for any new batter. Brandon King’s aggressive intent could be tested early.
Alex Carey vs Roston Chase
Carey will look to counter Chase’s variations with sweep shots, but one lapse in judgment could be his undoing against the drifting off-spin.

ALSO READ: OTD: Ravindra Jadeja's heroics earned India the 2013 Champions Trophy defeating England

WI vs AUS Predicted Playing XI
Australia Playing XI 

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

West Indies Playing XI

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

Australia have officially named their playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies, and the big headline is the return of Steve Smith. The senior batter is fit again and slots straight back into the middle order, adding strength and stability. With the series on the line, Smith’s experience and class will be crucial as the Aussies look to seal a 2-0 win.

Pat Cummins continues to lead a confident and settled squad that dominated the first Test. Smith’s inclusion is the only change, replacing Matt Renshaw. The bowling quartet of Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon and Green remains in situ a sign that the Aussies believe their well-oiled attack will deliver once more.

West Indies will want to recover after a difficult first encounter, they will need more commitment from their batsmen. Their inexperienced squad looked promising, particularly with the ball, but they will really be tested for character and discipline taking on a full-strength Australian team with Smith returning.

ALSO READ:Texas Super Kings vs Washington Freedom (TEX vs WAS): Match 23, MLC 2025, Match Preview

THE DECIDER: Australia at Full Strength, West Indies Playing for Pride

Australia will be looking for a thumping win, and with World Test Championship points to play for, they will be eager to push home the advantage. The presence of Steve Smith will bolster their batting and also give them a psychological advantage. Home conditions, momentum and squad depth all suggest an Aussie edge. . Their bowlers have been relentless, and if they strike early again, it could be another long outing for the visitors.

The Windies, on the other hand, must bat with greater patience and grit. Their top order needs to absorb pressure and spend time at the crease to set a platform. If they can put up a fight in the first innings, they’ll at least give themselves a shot. But unless they lift across all departments, it’s Australia’s game to lose.

Australia XI:
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy was caught in the eye of storm when he reportedly picked up a fight with the match referee Javagal Srinath during the first Test at Bridegtown, Barbados. Sammy was unhappy with the umpiring standards and voiced his frustration, urging the TV umpire to be more consistent with his decision making. 

Controversy erupted when Head was demmed not out by the TV umpire Adrian Holdstock even when it appeared that the ball had clearly settled into the keeper's gloves. A similar contentious caught behind incident surfaced later on  in the West Indian innings. This time around, much to everyone's surprise, the decision went in the home side's favor even when subsequent replays clearly indicated that the ball hadn't carried cleanly into the keeper's gloves. 

Sammy was furious with the events that unfolded and expressed his anguish to Srinath, questioning Holdstock's decision-making work. Following the end of the Test, Sammy was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent and earned a 15% fine on his fees along with one demerit point.

See also: WI vs AUS 1st Test: Key moments and Full match highlights

'I hold no grudges', Sammy opens up following the end of the controversial Test

As the dust settles on the first Test, Sammy has made it clear that he holds no grudges against the match officials. The fact that the match officials department have confessed their errors puts him at ease. Despite being displeased with Holdstock's work in the first Test, Sammy wishes him all the best for his upcoming game and expresses his desire to move on. 

"I don't hold grudges. I said what I said, based on what I saw. I've been punished for it. I wish Adrian all the best, to be honest. I mean, we're all human. I have nothing against the umpires. I really wish he has an awesome game."

While the West Indies were caught on the wrong side of the technology, the Australian team has steered clear from the controversy so far. However, Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey made a startling revelation about the diving catch he took to get rid of Shai Hope. Although Carey was convinced that he took a full-diving catch cleanly, replays seemed to have suggested otherwise. But as fate would have it, Carey emerged on the right side and Australia were able to miraculously manufacture a wicket out of it.  

Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald is confident that star batter Steve Smith will be ready to play the second Test against the West Indies, starting on July 3. Smith missed the first match after hurting his finger in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s.

But he’s healing well and is already back to batting practice in New York. Captain Pat Cummins shared this good news, and McDonald also said Smith is likely to play. McDonald made it clear that Smith will bat at number four, and the rest of the batting line-up will be arranged around him.

THE RETURN OF STEVE SMITH ⏳

- Steve Smith is likely to play in the 2nd Test against West Indies. pic.twitter.com/cPmxnZM9uA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 2, 2025

“We’re happy with him at number four. He’s been really good there over the last year. He can bat higher if we need, but at four he gives us stability. He’s one of our best ever batters, so we want to keep things settled around him,” McDonald said.

ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2025 likely to begin in September in UAE with India vs Pakistan clash on September 7

In Smith’s absence, Josh Inglis filled in at number four in the first Test but didn’t do well, scoring only 5 and 12. Australia also left out Marnus Labuschagne after his struggles as an opener in the WTC Final. If Smith is fit, Inglis is expected to make way so that Australia can try to win the series at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada.

 Australia Playing XI

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

Steve Smith has returned to the Australian squad for the Test opener against the West Indies  and that is big news all by itself. Having sat out the series opener because of a slight niggle, Smith has resumed practice and, though he is not a shoo-in for the playing XI, he is already having an effect on the mood in the camp.

The final call on whether Smith plays will come down to his fitness over the next couple of days. The medical team is monitoring him closely, and the signs so far are encouraging. Given that Australia won the first Test comfortably, there’s no desperate rush but having someone like Smith available is always a big advantage, especially when you’re trying to close out a series.

If he does play, Smith will likely slot back into his usual No. 4 spot  a role he’s made his own over the years. He brings calm, control, and the kind of experience that can’t be taught. But if the team decides to play it safe and give him more time, the younger batters who stepped up in the first Test might just get another chance to prove themselves.

ALSO READ: SL vs BAN 2nd Test, Day 4: Key moments and match highlights

Smith’s Return Brings Options and Experience

Even if he doesn't take the field, just having Steve Smith back in the dressing room is a boost. His presence, his game awareness, and the way he talks younger players through situations can be just as valuable off the pitch as on it. With more big series coming up later this year, Australia will want to ease him back smartly not just for this match, but for the long run.

For now, it’s a wait-and-watch. But one thing’s for sure when Steve Smith is around, Australia’s batting always feels a little more complete. Whether he plays or not, his return is a welcome sight for fans and teammates alike.

WATCH: Shamar Joseph’s Magic Ball Knocks Over Beau Webster in First Test

West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph made a big impact on day one of the first Test against Australia in Barbados, helping his team bowl out the visitors for just 180 runs. The highlight of his spell was a brilliant delivery that clean bowled Beau Webster, clipping the top of his off stump. It was the kind of ball fans and experts call a “beauty”-fast”, accurate, and unstoppable.

Joseph finished with four wickets for 46 runs and looked dangerous throughout. He started strong by getting 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas out for just 3 runs. The ball swung back in and hit Konstas on the pad. The umpire said not out at first, but the decision was changed after a review.

 

 

 

 

 

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Joseph later said he had a clear plan against Konstas, who has struggled against balls that come back into him. "It worked perfectly," Joseph said. That weakness had already been seen in the Under-19 World Cup and in domestic games, where Konstas was often dismissed either bowled or lbw.

Australia’s new No.3, Cameron Green, didn’t last long either caught at second slip for three, again off Joseph’s bowling. Josh Inglis, back in the team, also failed to score big and was out for five after mis-hitting a pull shot off Jayden Seales.

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Seales was just as effective, taking five wickets for 60 runs. After the match, he said the West Indies had done their homework on Australia’s new-look batting line-up. “We saw some weaknesses and planned to take advantage of them,” he said, especially pointing out Konstas’ struggles.

With 14 wickets falling in a single day, it was clear the pitch was helping the bowlers. By the end of the day, the West Indies were 57 for 4, making it an even contest so far.

Australia is on a minor reset of their own. Steve Smith misses a Test match after injuring his finger and Australia finally go past Marnus Labuschagne. For the first time since 2018 they go without Smith and Labuschagne.

AUS vs WI – 1st Test Match, 2025

• Match: Australia vs West Indies – 1st Test
• Date: Today, 25 June 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST 
• Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia

Australia
Usman Khawaja
Calm, experienced, and rock-solid at the top Khawaja is the man Australia looks to when they need to build a strong foundation.
Mitchell Starc
Give him the red cherry and watch him swing it dangerously at high speed. Starc under lights in Perth is a threat few can handle.
Travis Head
A game-changer in the middle order, Head doesn't hold back. If he gets going, runs come fast and pressure shifts in no time.

West Indies
Shai Hope
The elegant right-hander is the glue in the Windies lineup. If he settles in, expect classy strokes and long resistance.
Shamar Joseph
Young, raw pace with serious attitude  Shamar can rattle top orders and bring the fire West Indies often thrive on.
Roston Chase
A quiet performer, but crucial with both bat and ball. His ability to step up when needed makes him a key player, especially as the pitch starts to turn.

ALSO READ:WTC 2027: WI vs AUS 1st Test, Match Prediction– Who will win the Test Match?

WI vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI 

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

West Indies Playing XI

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

Australia and West Indies prepare to face off in the first Test of what could be an enthralling red-ball series, with action beginning in Perth. With new faces, returning stars and unfinished business when they met last, the two sides are eager to send a message to the competition. Australia will rely on the home conditions and the experience of their pace troika, whereas the West Indies will come with a smattering of youth, exuberance and a desire to upset the hosts

AUS vs WI – 1st Test Match, 2025

• Match: Australia vs West Indies – 1st Test
• Date: Today, 25 June 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST 
• Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth, Australia

Player Battles to Watch Out – AUS vs WI
Usman Khawaja vs Shamar Joseph
The calm and composed Khawaja will need all his experience to handle the raw fire of Shamar Joseph, who’s known to crank up the pace and swing it dangerously. A battle of nerves right from the first session!

Cameron Green vs Alzarri Joseph
Green loves to dominate, but Alzarri Joseph’s sharp bounce and seam could force him to think twice before going on the attack. This could be a momentum-shifting contest in the middle order.

Travis Head vs Jomel Warrican
Head doesn’t like to hang aroundhe goes after spinners. But Warrican, with his subtle changes in flight and pace, might just tempt him into a rash shot. Expect fireworks when these two clash.

Shai Hope vs Mitchell Starc
Hope brings elegance to the crease, but Starc with the new ball is a nightmare. Swinging in at pace, Starc could send early trouble Hope’s way.

Brandon King vs Nathan Lyon
King loves to play his shots, but Lyon’s experience and guile might tie him down. This one’s all about who blinks first attack or patience?

ALSO READ:WTC 2027: WI vs AUS 1st Test, Match Prediction– Who will win the Test Match?

WI vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI 

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

West Indies Playing XI

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