Overview:
Notably, only one Test has been played here at the Kensington Oval in the last six years. Therefore, it remains to be seen how things shape up in terms of the surface.
West Indies and Australia will start their ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle with a two-match Test series from June 25 onwards in Barbados. Australia come to this contest after losing the final of the WTC 2023-25 edition to South Africa at Lord’s. On the other hand, the West Indies last played Test cricket in Pakistan back in January 2025. They drew the series 1-1.
WI start under a new leader in Roston Chase after Kraigg Brathwaite stepped down. Chase makes his return to the scheme of things after more than two years. He last played a Test match for WI in March 2023.
For Australia, the selectors dropped Marnus Labuschagne from the squad. Meanwhile, Steve Smith will miss the 1st Test with an injury he suffered in the WTC final versus South Africa. Ahead of the 1st Test, both sides announced their playing XI.
West Indies playing XI
Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (captain), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.
Australia playing XI
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
In terms of the head-to-head record, the West Indies have met 120 times. West Indies have claimed 33 wins, with the Aussies winning 120 times. 1 game was tied, with another 25 being drawn.
Australia will come into this contest in Barbados as the favourites. They have kept a nice blend and balance in this XI, and there is plenty of experience riding. For the Windies, they would have to play a smart brand of cricket and step up tall against Pat Cummins’ men.
Ahead of the 1st Test, we look at the pitch report and key insights.
Kensington Oval, Barbados Location & Key Details of the Stadium
The first WI vs AUS Test match will be played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The stadium was established in the year 1871. It has a capacity of 27,000 spectators. As per ESPNcricinfo, the ground was closed down at the end of the 2004-05 season. It was demolished in order that a new stadium could be built at a cost in time for the 2007 ICC ODI World Cup. With increased capacity, the stadium was allocated the final of the WC.
The first match held here was in 1930 between the West Indies and England. It was a drawn contest. The last match here was also between WI and England. It was a drawn contest.
What is the Pitch Like at Kensington Oval, Barbados?
The pitch here is expected to be slow before likely picking up some pace. Pacers are likely to get some seam movement with the new ball. Batters will hope to negotiate the new ball well and settle in. As the match progresses, the surface will wither down, bringing spinners into play. Their variations and accuracy will prove to be fruitful. The surface will be dry with grass around.
Notably, only one Test has been played here at the Kensington Oval in the last six years. Therefore, it remains to be seen how things shape up in terms of the surface.
Key Stats & Records at Kensington Oval, Barbados
West Indies hold the highest team total here at this venue, posting 749/9d versus England in 2009. On the other hand, England have posted the lowest team total here. England managed 77 versus the WI in 2019.
West Indies’ lowest score here is 93 versus Sri Lanka in 2018. In 2004, they also perished for 94 versus England.
Australia’s lowest score here is 97 versus West Indies in 1984. Their highest total reads 650/6d in 1965.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the average run rate for teams batting first at Kensington Oval, Barbados, is 3.02 from 55 games. Teams batting first have won 17 times in addition to losing 20. Meanwhile, 18 games have been drawn.
Meanwhile, the average run rate for teams batting 2nd here is 2.82.
Among active cricketers, Brathwaite owns 492 runs here at 37.84 with the help of 1 ton and 3 fifties from 7 matches.
Among active bowlers in the Windies side for the series, Alzarri Joseph owns a total of 7 scalps at 42.71.
Pacers have enjoyed more success here with the top 10 wicket-takers all consisting of them. Former WI legends, Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose, are the only 2 bowlers here with 50-plus wickets.
WI vs AUS: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
As per the weather update, the forecast for the WI vs AUS game could see a bit of rain in the start before things clear out to provide a clean contest. Meanwhile, Saturday (Day 4) looks most likely to be hit by thunderstorms and showers. The temperature is expected to be a high of 32 degrees and a low of 27 degrees.
WI vs AUS: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
Australia will start the contest with an edge over the West Indies. Australia have a better bowling unit with their three-man main pace attack holding key. For Windies, they have a decent look, but it will take work to stop the fancied Aussies.
WI have played 55 matches here, winning 25, losing 12, and drawing 18. Australia have won four out of the 11 Tests (L4, D3). The Windies have won three out of their last 5 games here. Australia have won each of their last three Tests vs WI here in 2012, 2008, and 2003.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Kensington Oval, Barbados
What is the pitch report for Kensington Oval, Barbados for today’s match?
Pitch is expected to be enough for pacers with seam movement on offer. Spinners will come in as the game progresses. Batters will need to spend time and settle in to purchase runs.
Who has the better record at Kensington Oval, Barbados?
WI have claimed 25 wins here at this venue from 55 games. Australia have won 4 of their 11 matches in this venue.