West Indies v Australia betting tips & odds | First Test preview

West Indies v Australia best bets

First Test: West Indies v Australia preview

Australia head to the West Indies looking to make amends for their shock loss in the World Test Championship final earlier this month. Waiting for them at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown this Thursday (AEST) is a home side that has not played red-ball cricket since January.

The visitors have made a few changes following their loss to South Africa, most notably dropping Marnus Labuschagne. Add in Steve Smith’s sidelining through injury, and it is a somewhat new-look Australian lineup.

That said, the Aussie bowling attack is still as imposing as ever, with the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood complementing the spin of Nathan Lyon.

For the West Indies, their bowling lineup looks thin after the exclusion of veteran paceman Kemar Roach. They boast a new captain too, with Roston Chase stepping up despite not playing Test cricket for more than two years.

Thoroughly outmatched on paper, the West Indies face a steep challenge to avoid a thumping at the hands of a hurting Australian side.

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West Indies team lineup

1. Kraigg Brathwaite
2. John Campbell
3. Keacy Carty
4. Brandon King
5. Roston Chase (c)
6. Shai Hope (wk)
7. Justin Greaves
8. Jomel Warrican
9. Alzarri Joseph
10. Shamar Joseph
11. Jayden Seales

Australia team lineup

1. Usman Khawaja
2. Sam Konstas
3. Cameron Green
4. Josh Inglis
5. Travis Head
6. Beau Webster
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Pat Cummins (c)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood

West Indies v Australia predictions – First Test

All signs point to an Australian rout here, even though the West Indies have been valiant against visitors of similar stature in recent years.

While there is little value in backing an Aussie win, cricket betting sites have a high first innings score priced nicely. The last Test in Bridgetown produced opening scores of 507 and 411. With a point to prove, and a kind pitch, Australia should rack up a big one to set up their victory.

At the top of the West Indian order, Kraigg Brathwaite is solid but his partner, John Campbell, has been absent since 2022. Picklebet is paying $1.90 for one of the two to fall before the 20-run mark is crossed.

When this Test reaches a point of inevitability, expect the hosts to have a swing. With odds of $4 across top bookmakers for the West Indies to hit the most sixes, this is a great value bet.