Australia vs West Indies: Anticipation Builds for the 3rd Test at Sabina Park
Match Overview
The third Test of the three-match series between Australia and the West Indies is set to take place at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, from July 13 to July 17, 2025, starting at 12:00 AM IST.
West Indies' Struggles
The West Indies team has faced disappointment throughout this series. Despite a change in captaincy that was expected to bring a turnaround, the results have not improved. They suffered defeats in the first two Tests by margins of 159 and 133 runs. Brandon King managed to score his first Test half-century in the last match, making him the sole player from his team to reach this milestone in the series. While bowlers like Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales have performed admirably, the batting lineup has consistently underperformed. As they approach the final Test, Roston Chase and his teammates aim to conclude the series on a positive note.
Australia's Dominance
In contrast, Australia has excelled during this away series under the leadership of Pat Cummins. Key players like Alex Carey and Beau Webster stepped up in the previous match, both scoring half-centuries. Steve Smith, returning from a finger injury, also marked his 43rd Test half-century. With the series already secured, Cummins may consider giving Scott Boland a chance to play in place of Josh Hazlewood, who has had recent injury issues, while Boland has shown strong form in Test cricket.
Pitch Conditions for the 3rd Test
Sabina Park will host its inaugural pink-ball Test match. The first two Tests in this series have seen bowlers dominate, and it is likely that the pitch will favor pace bowlers once again. Historical data suggests that the pitch may pose challenges for batters initially, but with careful play, they could find scoring opportunities later. The average first innings score at this venue is just 164, indicating a potential for a low-scoring contest.
Weather Forecast
The weather during the Test match is expected to be hot and humid, with no rain anticipated. Temperatures are likely to range from 26°C to around 32°C.
Head-to-Head Record
| WI vs AUS Head-to-Head (in Tests) | |
| Matches Played | 122 |
| West Indies Wins | 33 |
| Australia Wins | 63 |
| Ties | 1 |
| Draws | 25 |
Probable Playing XI
- West Indies: Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Anderson Philip, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph.
- Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Alex Carey | AUS: The 33-year-old wicketkeeper has been an underrated asset for Australia, showcasing excellent form with half-centuries in both Tests. He has accumulated 166 runs in four innings during this tour, averaging 41.5, making him a valuable addition to any fantasy team.
Top Batters
- Brandon King | WI: The 30-year-old is the standout batter for the West Indies, being the only player to score a half-century in this series with a total of 115 runs across two Tests. His ability to play long innings is often overlooked.
- Steve Smith | AUS: At 36, Smith is among the best Test batters of his era, with 10,424 runs and 36 centuries in 118 matches. After recovering from injury, he marked his return with his 43rd half-century, making him a must-have for fantasy teams.
Top All-Rounders
- Justin Greaves | WI: The 31-year-old all-rounder has had a solid performance in the first two Tests, contributing both with bat and ball. He has scored 276 runs and taken 11 wickets in 8 Tests, making him a key player.
- Beau Webster | AUS: With over 350 runs and 7 wickets in just 6 Tests, Webster is emerging as a crucial all-rounder. He has scored 136 runs and taken 4 wickets in the first two Tests, making him essential for fantasy points.
Top Bowlers
- Shamar Joseph | WI: The 25-year-old pacer has been a nightmare for the Australian batting order, taking 14 wickets across four innings in this series. His inclusion is vital for any fantasy lineup.
- Mitchell Starc | AUS: Starc's prowess in Test cricket is well-known, especially with the pink ball. He has taken 74 wickets at an average of 18.14 and is set to play his 100th Test, needing five more wickets to reach 400, making him indispensable for fantasy teams.