Overview

• Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis have been drafted into the top order for the June 25 opener in Barbados after Steven Smith’s finger injury and Marnus Labuschagne’s axing.
• Travis Head says the squad has prepared to face both seam and spin under the Dukes ball across varying Caribbean surfaces.
• Selectors left the batting order unconfirmed pending Smith’s recovery for the July 3 Grenada Test and Labuschagne’s return to form.
• The absence of Smith and Labuschagne creates a 14,570-run gap in experience, marking Australia’s first XI without either since 2018.
• The three-match series starts the next Test Championship cycle and offers a proving ground ahead of the Ashes.