Introduction
The Australia vs West Indies Test series of 2025 was more than just another cricketing contest—it was a clash of legacy, redemption, and the raw spirit of Test cricket. Australia, the modern-day powerhouse, hosted the resurgent West Indies for a two-match Test series that brought back echoes of a rivalry that once ruled the cricketing world. While Australia came in as heavy favourites, the Windies showed glimpses of their once-dominant self, reminding fans why Test cricket remains the ultimate format.
Series Overview
- Host Nation: Australia
- Number of Tests: 2
- Venues: Adelaide Oval (D/N Test), Gabba
- Final Series Result: Drawn 1-1
- Player of the Series: Shamar Joseph (West Indies)
1st Test – Adelaide Oval (Day-Night)
The series opener was played under lights at the iconic Adelaide Oval. Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, with Steve Smith taking charge as the stand-in captain in Pat Cummins’ absence due to injury. Marnus Labuschagne anchored the innings with a composed 132, supported by Travis Head (81) as Australia posted 386 in their first innings.
West Indies had a shaky start but managed a gritty reply. Young opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul showed tremendous patience, scoring 78, but the star was Shamar Joseph. Not only did he contribute a handy 35 down the order, but he also dismantled the Aussie top order in the second innings with a fiery 5-wicket haul.
Despite his efforts, Australia set a steep target of 297 for the Windies. Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph kept it tight, but the hosts sealed a 147-run win, thanks to Nathan Lyon’s 6-wicket masterclass in the final innings under the lights.
Result: Australia won by 147 runs
2nd Test – The Gabba, Brisbane
What followed at the Gabba was nothing short of a fairy tale for West Indies cricket. Historically, the venue has been a fortress for Australia, with their last loss here being the famous India win in 2021. No one gave the Windies a chance.
Batting first, the Caribbean side posted a respectable 311, courtesy of a fluent century by Joshua Da Silva and a gritty 72 by Jason Holder. The Australian bowlers looked slightly off rhythm, with Mitchell Starc struggling to find his swing.
Australia’s reply was met with fiery pace and relentless aggression from the Windies quicks. Shamar Joseph again stole the show with figures of 6/59, reducing Australia to 210. Only Usman Khawaja (69) stood tall among the ruins.
In the second innings, West Indies set a modest target of 216. Australia, despite a confident start, collapsed dramatically from 85/2 to 178 all out, thanks again to Joseph and the steady support of Gudakesh Motie’s spin.
Result: West Indies won by 37 runs
Key Performers of the Series
🏏 Shamar Joseph (West Indies)
- Wickets: 13
- Impact: Man of the Series
- Joseph’s performance reminded many of the golden generation of Windies fast bowlers. Raw pace, aggression, and accuracy made him a standout, even in Australian conditions.
🏏 Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)
- Runs: 215 in 2 matches
- The Aussie No.3 continued to be a rock in the batting lineup. His century in Adelaide set the tone for the home side.
🏏 Joshua Da Silva (West Indies)
- Runs: 182
- Da Silva’s calmness under pressure, especially in Brisbane, added great value. His wicketkeeping was also tidy throughout the series.
🏏 Nathan Lyon (Australia)
- Wickets: 10
- The veteran off-spinner was lethal in the first Test, especially under lights. His control and variations remain world-class.
Turning Points
- Shamar Joseph’s 6-for at the Gabba: Possibly the best bowling display by a West Indian pacer in Australia in over two decades.
- Australia’s middle-order collapse in the 2nd Test: From 130/3 to 178 all-out, the sudden crumble defined the fate of the match.
- Joshua Da Silva’s 100 under pressure: His century turned the tide in the second Test and put the Windies in a commanding position.
What This Means for Australia
The drawn series is a minor setback for Australia, especially on home soil. The absence of Cummins was clearly felt, and questions linger about their middle-order stability, especially against pace. However, positives remain—Labuschagne’s form, Lyon’s return to rhythm, and the emergence of young all-rounder Aaron Hardie.
Australia will now look to recalibrate ahead of their away Ashes tour later this year. Their depth is still strong, but they’ll need better adaptability against high-pace attacks.
What This Means for West Indies
This was a historic moment. The Gabba win will go down as one of the most significant away Test victories in West Indies’ recent history. More than the result, it’s the fight and belief that stood out. Shamar Joseph has emerged as a genuine pace threat, and with support from Roach, Holder, and the spin of Motie, the Caribbean bowling attack looks promising again.
This series could mark the beginning of a Test renaissance for West Indies cricket, which has struggled in recent years to match their limited-overs promise.
Fan Reactions and Social Buzz
The cricket world was buzzing with admiration for the Windies after the second Test. Social media flooded with praise for Shamar Joseph, with many comparing him to the likes of Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding. Aussie fans, while disappointed, applauded the spirit of competition and the quality of cricket on display.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Australia vs West Indies Test series reminded the cricketing world why Test matches still matter. Grit, skill, heartbreak, and glory—all packed into two Tests. For Australia, a wake-up call. For the West Indies, a roaring comeback. If this is what the future of Test cricket looks like, fans are in for a treat.