Australia's cricket team is set to start a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a revamped batting lineup for the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados on June 25, 2025. Selectors have dropped Marnus Labuschagne due to poor form, while Steve Smith has been ruled out due to a finger injury sustained during the recent WTC final against South Africa. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis have been named as their replacements in the starting XI.

Steve Smith's absence is due to a dislocated little finger on his right hand, which he sustained while attempting a catch in the WTC final. While surgery isn't required, his finger will be in a splint for eight weeks. Cricket Australia is hopeful that Smith will recover in time for the second Test in Grenada, scheduled to begin on July 3. According to chief selector George Bailey, Smith needs more time for the wound to heal, and his functionality will be assessed after a week's rest.

Marnus Labuschagne's omission comes after an extended period of inconsistent performances. After a barren two-year run in Test cricket, Labuschagne was moved to open in the Lord's Final, though made just 17 and 22 in the defeat to South Africa. His last Test century was in July 2023 during the Ashes series against England. Since then, he has struggled to convert starts into big scores, averaging just 24.7 in 16 matches. In 2025, his average has dipped to 16.16 in seven innings. Bailey acknowledged Labuschagne's potential as a key team member but emphasized that his recent performances haven't met expectations.

Sam Konstas, who debuted against India last summer, and Josh Inglis are stepping in to fill the void. Inglis, who made a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in February 2025, was dropped for the WTC final to accommodate Cameron Green's return. Konstas returns to the Test side for the first time since last summer’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The first Test between the West Indies and Australia marks the beginning of the 2027 WTC cycle for both teams. The match will be held at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, from June 25-29. The West Indies squad includes a new captain, Roston Chase, who replaces Kraigg Brathwaite. Shai Hope could also make his first Test appearance since 2021 as wicketkeeper. Australia has won their last three men's Test series, and they have also won their last three matches at Kensington Oval.