West Indies vs Australia 2nd Test Preview & Prediction

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2 Jul 2025 11:35 UTC
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Introduction

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The second test of the 2025 test series between the West Indies and Australia is planned for July 3rd-7th at the National Cricket Stadium in St. George's, Grenada. Following an entertaining first encounter in Barbados, in which Australia won by 159 runs, both teams are looking forward to this key game. Australia leads the three-match series 1-0, while the West Indies are aiming to bounce back at a venue where they’ve had success in the past.

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Match Details

  • Match: West Indies vs. Australia, 2nd Test
  • Date: July 3rd - July 7th, 2025
  • Time: 2:00 PM (UTC)
  • Venue: National Cricket Stadium, Grenada
  • Series Status: Australia leads 1-0.
  • Win Probability: West Indies 16% | Draw 9% | Australia 75%

Toss Prediction: To Bat First

Despite data suggesting the side bowling first has had more success in Grenada historically, the scorching weather forecast and pitch conditions are expected to sway both captains toward batting first.

Venue Guide: National Cricket Stadium, Grenada

Pitch Report

The Grenada surface remains a bit of an unknown, with only four Tests played at the venue. However, historical trends show that batting gets progressively harder, with average scores per inning dropping significantly from the 1st to the 4th inning.

  • Batting first average: ~300+

  • Batting fourth average: ~150–180

  • Key Note: Early movement and bounce could favor seamers on Day 1.

Weather Forecast

Hot and humid conditions will dominate Days 1 and 2, but there’s a moderate chance of showers on Days 3 and 4, potentially interrupting the momentum.

Team Form & Key Insights

West Indies Team Preview

The West Indies showed fight in Barbados, especially with the ball, but the batting frailties were once again exposed.

Strengths:

  • A potent bowling attack led by Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Alzarri Joseph.

  • Captain Roston Chase and Shai Hope offer grit in the middle order.

  • Confidence from their 10-wicket win over England at this same venue in 2022.

Weaknesses:

  • Top-order inconsistency.

  • Over-reliance on lower-order batters for runs.

  • Fielding lapses and catching errors cost them in the 1st Test.

Probable Playing XI:

Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.

Australia Team Preview

Australia claimed victory in the first Test, largely thanks to Travis Head’s consistency and a disciplined bowling effort. But there are top-order issues to resolve.

Strengths:

  • The return of Steven Smith provides much-needed class and stability.

  • In-form middle-order with Travis Head and Alex Carey contributing.

  • Elite bowling quartet: Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon.

Weaknesses:

  • Openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja struggled with early seam movement.

  • Cameron Green and Josh Inglis looked uncertain in key moments.

Probable Playing XI:

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.

Tactical Analysis & Match Prediction

What Went Down in Barbados

West Indies held their ground in the early exchanges, but a poor batting collapse in their second innings saw them lose by a significant margin. Travis Head's twin half-centuries and disciplined bowling were decisive.

Key Battle Areas

  • Top Order vs. New Ball: Whoever handles the new ball better will likely set the tone.

  • Shamar Joseph vs. Aussie middle-order: His sharp spells may disrupt any momentum.

  • Spin in the 4th innings: Nathan Lyon could prove crucial as the pitch deteriorates.

  • In-Game Strategy

  • Bet Live: The conditions suggest batting becomes easier after 15-20 overs. Look for overseas-based partnership markets.

  • Shorting Windies Batting Markets: Lower-order odds on King, Campbell, and others could provide value.

Player Betting Tips

Best Batsman Markets

  • Australia: Travis Head @ 7/2—Most consistent recent performer.

  • West Indies: Shai Hope @ 9/2—Technically sound and showed resilience in Barbados.

Long Shot Value:

  • Justin Greaves (West Indies) for top 1st innings scorer @ 17/2.

Over/Under Lines:

  • Brandon King: U18.5 runs

  • John Campbell: 17.5 runs

  • Steve Smith: Might not be value at 13/5 but dependable.

Betting Odds

  • West Indies to win: 4.70
  • Australia to win: 1.16
betting odds from stake.com for west indies and australia

Recommended Bet: Back Australia to win, but wait until in-play for possibly better odds if WI starts well.

Fantasy & Stake.com Odds

Dream XI Star Picks

  • Captain: Travis Head

  • Vice-Captain: Shamar Joseph

  • Wild Card: Justin Greaves

What Can be Expected from the Match?

The second test promises to be an intriguing battle. On paper and in recent form, Australia should be in the driver's seat, yet Test cricket often throws up surprises, especially when a West Indies pace attack is so strong and eager to prove a point.

Still, Australia's greater batting depth and the comeback of Steven Smith swing the odds firmly in the tourists favor.

Prediction: Australia to Win

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