West Indies and Australia are gearing up for the opening Test of their three-match series at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, and all eyes will be on the pitch that sets the stage for their ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 journey.
The historic venue will host its first WTC fixture of the new cycle from June 25, 2025 — with both teams looking to start strong.
The West Indies are aiming to rebuild after a tough previous cycle, where they finished eighth. Australia, meanwhile, arrive in Barbados after finishing runners-up in the 2023–25 WTC, falling short in the final against South Africa.
Here's a detailed look at the Kensington Oval pitch conditions, average scores, and the top run-scorers and wicket-takers at the ground, vital insights for fans, analysts, and bettors alike.
How many Test matches has Kensington Oval hosted?
Kensington Oval has hosted a total of 55 Test matches since its first in January 1930.
How many spectators can Kensington Oval hold?
The Kensington Oval has a seating capacity of about 28,000 spectators.
Kensington Oval: Pitch report
The pitch at Kensington Oval in Barbados is expected to offer some seam movement to the new ball bowlers at the start of the match. This movement can make it challenging for the batsmen to settle in quickly.
Fast bowlers can also expect to benefit from some extra bounce on this surface. The bounce might trouble the batsmen, especially in the initial overs of the game.
Despite the early challenges, the pitch in Barbados generally offers true pace and bounce once the game progresses. Batsmen who adjust to the conditions can play their shots with confidence.
Spinners may not find much assistance from the pitch in terms of turn. Instead, they will need to rely on accuracy and variations to outsmart the batsmen.
Kensington Oval: Average scores and toss results in Tests
Matches won batting first | 17 |
Matches won bowling first | 20 |
Average 1st innings Score | 333 |
Average 2nd innings Score | 337 |
Average 3rd innings Score | 259 |
Average 4th innings Score | 148 |
What happened in the previous Test match at Kensington Oval?
The most recent Test match at Kensington Oval was played between West Indies and England from March 16–20, 2022. The match ended in a draw.
What is the highest score by a team at Kensington Oval in Test matches?
The West Indies hold the record for the highest team total at Kensington Oval, scoring 749/9 declared against England in 1954.
What is the lowest score by a team at Kensington Oval in Test matches?
The lowest team total at the venue is 77, made by England against West Indies in 2019.
What is the highest individual score at Kensington Oval in Test matches?
The highest individual score at Kensington Oval in Test matches is 337 runs, made by Hanif Mohammad of Pakistan against West Indies in the third innings of the match at Bridgetown on January 17, 1958.
This legendary knock lasted 970 minutes and remains one of the greatest acts of resilience in Test cricket history.
What is the best bowling figure at Kensington Oval in Test matches?
The best bowling figures at Kensington Oval in Test matches belong to Lance Gibbs. Gibbs took 8 wickets for 38 runs in 53.3 overs, including 37 maidens, for West Indies against India in the third innings of the match at Bridgetown on March 23, 1962. His extraordinary economy rate of 0.71 makes this one of the most economical and impactful spells in Test history.
Which batter has the most runs at Kensington Oval in Test matches?
The batter with the most runs at Kensington Oval in Test matches is Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who scored 1,477 runs in 19 matches (34 innings) at an impressive average of 56.80. His highest score at the ground is 153*, and his tally includes 4 centuries and 9 fifties between 1994 and 2015.
Which bowler has the most wickets at Kensington Oval in Test matches?
The bowler with the most wickets at Kensington Oval in Test matches is Courtney Walsh, who took 53 wickets in 12 matches (24 innings) between 1988 and 2001. He bowled 3024 deliveries (504 overs), with a best innings figure of 5/22, an average of 25.32, and an economy rate of 2.66 at the historic Bridgetown venue.
All stats via ESPN cricinfo
WI vs. AUS betting odds and tips, 1st Test match
According to Dafabet, Australia enter the 1st Test as the favourites reflecting their superior form and head-to-head dominance over the West Indies.
| Odds* |
West Indies | 7/4 |
Australia | 4/9 |
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change
Click here to bet on WI vs AUS with a trusted betting site on Dafabet!
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