After a dominant performance in the series opener, Australia hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match Frank Worrell Trophy. The first Test wrapped up in just three days, with Australia cruising to a 159-run victory, thanks to twin half-centuries from Travis Head and a relentless bowling display.
As the focus shifts to St George’s, Grenada for the second Test, starting Thursday, July 3, both teams are expected to tweak their lineups. Steve Smith is likely to return from injury for Australia, potentially replacing Josh Inglis or Cameron Green, while Matthew Kuhnemann might come in as a spin option if the visitors opt to rest a seamer.
For West Indies, promising batter Kevlon Anderson could make his debut, while young pacer Johann Layne is also in contention for a place in the XI.
With the series on the line, and a pace-friendly surface at Grenada, this second Test promises to be a fascinating battle. Here’s a complete look at the expected playing XIs, head-to-head record, match predictions, weather updates, and latest betting odds.
West Indies vs. Australia: Expected lineups
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican (vc), Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
WI vs. AUS: Head-to-head in Test matches
West Indies and Australia have faced off in 121 Test matches since their first meeting in 1930. Australia dominate the head-to-head with 64 wins, while West Indies have won 33 Tests. 25 matches have ended in a draw, and one ended in a rare tie.
On home soil, the Windies have hosted Australia in 51 Tests, with the visitors holding a clear edge 22 wins to West Indies’ 14, with 15 draws. Notably, West Indies' only Test win against Australia since 2004 came in Brisbane during the 2023–24 series, which ended 1-1.
- Matches Played - 121
- West Indies won - 33
- Australia won - 62
- Draw - 25
- Tied - 01
West Indies vs. Australia: Match predictions and betting tips
Despite a 159-run loss in the first Test, West Indies showed glimpses of competitiveness, with Shai Hope and the bowlers making key contributions. The batting unit is expected to fare better on a flatter, more batting-friendly surface in Grenada.
Sahi Hope, who scored 48 in the first innings is a solid candidate to score a half-century, making him a value pick for over 50+ runs. Historically, West Indies batters have done well at St George's, with individual scores of 204, 116, 100, and 95* in their last four Tests here. Backing a Windies batter to score over 80.5 runs could be a smart punt.
On the bowling front, Jayden Seales was outstanding in Barbados with 5 for 60 and has a strong record at this venue, including four wickets in the 2022 win over England. He remains a key player for the West Indies, especially with the ball likely to do less off the seam.
For Australia, Pat Cummins shoulders more responsibility on a flatter pitch. He picked up two key wickets in the first Test and has been in red-hot form, having taken 6 for 28 in the WTC final against South Africa.
Steve Smith, returning from injury, brings an outstanding average of 124.57 against West Indies, with past scores of 200, 134, 91*, and more. If he regains touch quickly, he’s a strong candidate for top Australia batter.
TSN’s Top Betting Tips:
- Shai Hope to score 50+ runs – high value given form and conditions
- A West Indies batter to score over 80.5 runs – supported by historical scores at Grenada
- Steve Smith as top Australia run-scorer – averages 124.57 vs WI
- Jayden Seales to be West Indies’ top bowler – form + venue record
- Pat Cummins for top Australia bowler – more workload on a flat deck
West Indies vs. Australia: Players to watch
- Batter:
Shai Hope (WI): The experienced wicketkeeper-batter looked assured in the first Test with a fluent 48 and has been in solid white-ball form.Hope will be crucial to anchoring the middle order and is a good bet to register a half-century in Grenada.
Steve Smith (AUS): Back from a finger injury, Smith is expected to slot in at number four. His record against the West Indies is staggering at an average of 124.57 with scores like 200, 134*, 91, and 70.
- Bowler:
Jayden Seales (WI): Seales was the pick of the bowlers in Barbados, grabbing 5 for 60 in the first innings. He also has fond memories of Grenada, having taken four wickets in West Indies’ 10-wicket win over England in 2022.
Pat Cummins (AUS): He picked up two important wickets in the first Test and is coming off a brilliant 6 for 28 in the WTC final. As captain and leader of the attack, his performance could shape the match.
West Indies vs. Australia: Betting odds and Tips, 2nd Test Match
According to Dafabet, Australia head into the second Test as clear favourites with odds of 1.19, while West Indies are significant underdogs at 4.73.
Odds | |
West Indies | 4.73 |
Australia | 1.19 |
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change
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WI vs. AUS: Pitch and weather report
The pitch at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada is known to assist seamers, especially during the first couple of days. The surface offers movement off the seam, making life tricky for batters early on, though those who settle in can play their shots on the up. Spinners are likely to have a limited role.
Historically, teams chasing in the fourth innings have won three out of four Tests at this venue, highlighting how conditions ease later in the match.
As for the weather, clear skies and sunshine are expected throughout the Test, with no rain forecast and temperatures reaching up to 31°C, ensuring uninterrupted play.
WI vs AUS 2nd Test Live Streaming: Where to watch in India?
The West Indies vs Australia 2nd Test will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website. The match will start at 7:30 PM IST.