The Aus vs WI 1st Test match took place from June 25 to June 27, 2025, at the historic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The match started each day at 10:00 AM local time (2:00 PM GMT), providing fans with early morning cricket action in the Caribbean. Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for an intense three-day contest.
Match Summary and Highlights
Australia entered the series opener missing key players like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, but their depth and discipline shone through. On a lively, two-paced pitch that heavily favored the fast bowlers, both teams’ pacers ruled the roost. Australia posted 180 in their first innings, while West Indies replied with 190, taking a slender lead.
However, the match turned decisively in Australia’s favor during their second innings, with the visitors scoring 310 thanks to gritty batting from Travis Head and counterattacking contributions from Alex Carey. Set a daunting target of 301, the West Indies faltered against the relentless Australian pace attack, led by Josh Hazlewood, who claimed a five-wicket haul in the final innings. West Indies were bowled out for 141, handing Australia a comprehensive 159-run victory.
Kensington Oval Pitch Report: Aus vs WI 1st Test Match
The pitch at Kensington Oval, Barbados, offered a balanced contest between bat and ball during the Aus vs WI 1st Test match. Early in the match, seamers found notable movement and assistance from the surface, making batting challenging against the new ball. As the game progressed, the pitch began to offer more consistent pace and bounce, allowing batters who settled in to play their shots with confidence.
Key Batting Performances:
Australia defeated West Indies by 159 runs in the 1st Test at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. The match was played from June 25–27, 2025. Australia posted 180 in their first innings, with West Indies replying with 190. In the second innings, Australia recovered from 65/4 to score 310, thanks to half-centuries from Alex Carey (65), Beau Webster (63), and Travis Head (61). West Indies, set a target of 311, were bowled out for just 141 in 33.4 overs.
Key Bowling Performances:
- Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler for Australia, taking 5 wickets for 43 runs in the final innings, playing a pivotal role in dismantling the West Indies batting lineup.
- Shamar Joseph was the best bowler for West Indies, claiming 5 wickets for 87 runs in Australia’s second innings and finishing with impressive match figures of 9 for 133. He also top-scored for West Indies in the second innings with a rapid 44 off 22 balls.
Notable Stats:
- Australia’s second innings total of 310 was built on resilience, with the team recovering from a precarious position and capitalizing on seven dropped catches by West Indies.
- The match ended inside three days, with Australia taking the last West Indies wicket in the final session of Day 3.
Man of the Match:
Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his twin half-centuries (61 and 50+) on a challenging surface, providing crucial stability to Australia’s innings in both outings.
This win gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the series and marked their first victory in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.