West Indies v Australia: First Test preview

Australia will look to bounce back from their World Test Championship final defeat when they take on the West Indies in the first of three Test matches.

The Aussies have been left licking their wounds following the five-wicket defeat to South Africa at Lord's, but they have no time to feel sorry for themselves.

With the Ashes series against England fast approaching, the Baggy Green need to get back on track quickly, starting at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Wednesday.

There is plenty of uncertainty heading into the first Test as Australia go with a new-look batting line-up in what could be testing conditions.

It does, however, present an opportunity for a host of players to shine in the Test team and stake a claim for the Ashes.

The Aussies are the hot fancies ahead of the Test, but the hosts have recently proven that they are capable of pulling off an upset.

West Indies v Australia betting preview

Experienced pair missing for Aussies

Australia will head into the first Test in Barbados without both Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

Smith picked up a hand injury in the defeat to the Proteas and, although he could make the second Test, the first is a no-go.

Meanwhile, Labuschagne has been dropped after a poor run of form and opportunities have now arisen for Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis.

Konstas is set to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja and can be backed at 7.50 to be the Top 1st Innings Batter.

If the new partnership shines, they can be backed at 1.90 to score over 31.5 runs in the Team - Opening Partnership Total market.

Inglis, who will come into the side and bat a number four, can be backed at 7.00.

The Aussies still have plenty of experience, and Travis Head is in no doubt the players that step into the side will be able to get the job done.

Left-hander Head will be ready to step up to the plate and he can be backed at 8.50 to scoop the Player of the Match award.

It will be the first time since 2015 that Australia have played a Test match in the West Indies and only four members of that squad are included in this one.

Hosts eye an upset in Bridgetown

The West Indies head into the first Test as underdogs, but they have shown recently they have what it takes to beat Australia.

They did it on Australian soil back in January, edging an eight-run thriller at the Gabba, which showed that anything is possible.

Shamar Joseph was one of the stars of the show in Brisbane when taking 7-68 in the second innings as the Aussies were bowled out for 207 adn thes eries was drawn 1-1.

Pacer Joseph will be looking to shine again and can be backed at 7.00 to be Top 1st Innings Bowler in Barbados.

Read the latest outright odds for West Indies v Australia on site

West Indies v Australia odds

West Indies - 4.50
Australia - 1.44
Draw - 6.50

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.