Australia tour of West Indies 2025: Australia has made two major changes in its team for the first Test match against West Indies. Veteran batsman Marnas Labushen has been dropped from the team, while star batsman Steve Smith will not be available due to injury.

In his place, young batsman Sam Contas and wicketkeeper-batsman Josh English have been given a chance. Sam Contas is the same Khiladi who was disturbed by Virat Kohli and Jaspreet Bumrah during the Border-Gavaskar Test series.

Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUsvind pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024

Why did Labushen be out?
Labushen was given an opportunity to open in the World Test Championships, but he could score only 17 and 22 runs. For the last two years, he has failed to play big innings in Tests. George Bailey, the chief selector of the Kangaroo team, said- We still consider Marnas as an important part of the team, but he himself knows that his performance is not of the level that he is expected to.

Smith injury to finger
Steve Smith suffered a serious injury to the finger while leaving the catch of Temba Bavuma in the Lord’s Test. Compound dislocation (bone exit) has occurred in their little finger. Surgery was not required, but they have to wear splints for eight weeks. Bailey told- Smith needs more time, we will give him one more rest. It is expected that he will fit in the matches ahead of the series.

Josh English and Constas will get a chance
Josh English scored a brilliant century in the Gaul Test against Sri Lanka this year. At the same time, Sam Constas has played two matches against India and scored 60 runs in MCG in a debut match. Bailey said- Both young players have capacity. We hope that he will redeem this opportunity and contribute well for the team.

How will Australia’s playing Xi?
There is a possibility of opening with Usman Khwaja of Kestas. According to the situation, Australia can also land with two spinners Nathan Lion and Matt Kuhnemann. The first Test will be played in Barbados from 25 June.

Australia Test Team: Pat Cummins (Captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Bolland, Alex Carrie, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Iglis, Osman Khwaja, Sam Consstas, Matt Kuhneman, Marnas Labushen, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Michel Smith, Mitchell Starc, Bewster