Australia’s first Test expedition to the Caribbean in ten years will include three matches following an agreement to prolong the series between the two countries. Australia’s inaugural Test visit to the West Indies in a decade will consist of a three-match series, as Cricket Australia aims to eliminate two-Test series “whenever feasible”. The Australian squad […]
Australia’s first Test expedition to the Caribbean in ten years will include three matches following an agreement to prolong the series between the two countries.
Australia’s inaugural Test visit to the West Indies in a decade will consist of a three-match series, as Cricket Australia aims to eliminate two-Test series “whenever feasible”.
The Australian squad is set to tour in June-July next year, with a minimum of two Tests required under the World Test Championship.
However, Cricket Australia and the West Indies Cricket Board have come to an arrangement to host three Test matches to prevent a repeat of the previous series stalemate. In January, the Australians and West Indies concluded the two-Test series in a 1-1 draw, after Shamar Joseph led the West Indies to a remarkable victory at the Gabba.
Nick Hockley, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, who plans to leave his position at the end of the summer, confirms that next year’s tour will certainly consist of three Tests.
“I’m thrilled that this is going to happen,” he shared with SEN radio on Saturday.
“We are still awaiting an official confirmation from the West Indies Cricket Board regarding exact dates and locations, but it will indeed be a three-Test series, which is obviously significant.
“This is another fantastic opportunity. The World Test Championship mandates that we play at least two matches.
“But genuinely, for both the fans and the players, nobody wants to be left in a situation where it’s one-all and everyone feels dissatisfied.”
Australia hasn’t conducted a Test series in the West Indies since 2015.
In that series, which comprised two Tests, Australia achieved commanding victories in both – by nine wickets in Roseau and by 277 runs in Kingston.
Following that, the West Indies visited Australia for the next three series – Australia triumphed 2-0 in a three-match series in 2015-16 and again 2-0 in a two-match series in 2022-23.
The stalemate last January was marked by touring paceman Joseph leading West Indies to a narrow eight-run victory in Brisbane, marking the end of a twenty-year absence of Test wins against Australia.
West Indies legend Sir Curtly Ambrose has been among those advocating for a shift back to three-match series.
“In my opinion, two-Test match series is rather absurd – a minimum of three is essential,” Ambrose stated in June this year.
“I don’t believe two Tests is truly suitable for international cricket.
“If a third Test had been held in Australia (last January), it would have sold out.
“Everyone would be eager to see if West Indies could replicate that success and if Australia could respond accordingly.”
