Top Players to Watch – West Indies vs Australia, 3rd Test 2025

As the 3rd Test of this pivotal series between West Indies and Australia approaches, several players stand out as potential game-changers. On paper, these stars have the skill, recent form, and match-up conditions to define the swing of this Test. Here's a deep dive into five key names, from WTC talisman to Test debutant, who have the tools to shift the balance in Bridgetown.

Pat Cummins (Australia – Captain & Strike Bowler)

As the leader of the Australian men’s Test team, Pat Cummins commands respect both as a captain and a bowler. Entering this series with just one wicket short of 200 Test wickets, Cummins is the go-to wicket-taker in crucial moments. His leadership has guided Australia through a period of transition following the WTC final, introducing youth without compromising performance. In Caribbean conditions—often fast and bouncy—expect Cummins to bowl long, probing spells up front and wear down the opposition.

Kraigg Brathwaite (West Indies – Opener & Captain)

Kraigg Brathwaite is the backbone of West Indies’ batting lineup. A veteran of sturdy Test innings, he reached his 100th Test earlier this summer. Though his average (32.8) isn't flashy, consistency defines his value, and he’s played key innings in Barbados this series so far. Brathwaite’s performance at the top sets the tone—if he holds firm early, others can follow.

Mitchell Starc (Australia – Leading Paceman)

Mitchell Starc brings genuine pace and movement, making him one of the most feared bowlers in Tests. Already within striking distance of 300 Test wickets, Starc’s ability to swing and seam the ball under lights can turn a session in a couple of overs . His pink-ball pedigree—averaging 18 across night Tests—introduces a high-impact element in day-night encounters common in modern Tests.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul (West Indies – Young Opener)

Carrying the celebrated Chanderpaul legacy, Tage Chanderpaul has developed a reserved, technically strong approach at the top. Since debuting, he has notched a maiden Test double-century, often in collaboration with Brathwaite to build strong opening stands. His patient style is tailor-made for blunting an Aussie seam attack, especially in the constraint-heavy Caribbean conditions.

Shamar Joseph (West Indies – Emerging Pace Bowler)

This may be his “home crowd Test debut,” but Shamar Joseph brings proven ability. On debut against Australia, Joseph took a wicket with his first ball and secured a five-wicket haul—impressive credentials that helped West Indies cause an upset. His bounce-focused style is primed for good Caribbean pitches, and expect him to be a key weapon in the Windies attack.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

• Jason Holder (WI – All-rounder): A veteran presence with Test double centuries and resurgence as a seam-bowling option, Holder boosts both batting depth and bowling backups .
   
• Cameron Green (AUS – All-rounder): A long-term pivot for Australia, Green sits at number three in the lineup, contributing both with bat and ball. A breakout Test here could spur his WTC future.
   
• Kyle Mayers (WI): Reliable with bat and ball, he recently contributed crucial wickets and lower-order resilience in the series, offering balance.
   

Why These Players Matter

• Leadership & Backbone: Cummins and Brathwaite guide their sides through performance and presence.
   
• Wicket-taking Threats: Starc and Joseph offer contrasting but complementary pace styles.
   
• Constructive Stability: Chanderpaul and Holder apply runs and resist collapse potential.
   
• Series Momentum: A strong outing from any of these could tilt the WTC points race and regional bragging rights in West Indies cricket.
   

Matchday Indicators to Watch

1. First Session Impact: Cummins and Starc vs Brathwaite and Chanderpaul—is Australia dominant early?
    
2. Bounce Battle: Will West Indies pace overwhelm or be subdued?
    
3. Middle Overs Control: If Holder/Joseph/Green create pressure through wickets or tight spells.
    
4. Captaincy Spark: Cummins’s leadership vs Brathwaite’s unwavering resilience.
    

Final Take

The battle lines are drawn across generational and stylistic divides: veteran toughness meeting youth exuberance, pace vs patience, leadership vs legacy. The performances of these five players—Cummins, Starc, Brathwaite, Chanderpaul, and Joseph—are likely to define the 3rd Test’s storyline and the wider series trajectory.