Australia Faces West Indies Without Smith in Test Clash

Australia`s Test squad faces a major shake-up as they prepare to battle the West Indies without Smith and Labuschagne.

The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as Australia prepares to take on the West Indies in the first Test match at the iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Scheduled from June 25 to 29, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter, kicking off at 7:30 PM IST. However, the Australian side will be missing a key player—experienced batter Steve Smith, sidelined by a finger injury sustained during the World Test Championship final.

In a surprising turn of events, Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the Test XI for the first time in six years due to his recent poor form. In his place, Josh Inglis, who dazzled on his Test debut with a century against Sri Lanka in February, has been recalled. Additionally, Sam Konstas will step in for Labuschagne, marking a significant shift in the Australian lineup.

On the other side, the West Indies, under the leadership of new captain Roston Chase, are embarking on a fresh World Test Championship cycle, eager to make their mark. This Test series is contested for the prestigious Frank Worrell Trophy, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition. For live updates and detailed coverage, fans can visit Cricket Australia and ESPN Cricinfo.

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