Cricholic
Day-Night Test cricket lights up Sabina Park as West Indies face Australia in Kingston. Although Australia have already sealed the series, this final Test still matters. West Indies aim to salvage pride, while Australia look to fine-tune before the Ashes.
🔦 Sabina Park Hosts First Day-Night Test
Sabina Park will host its first-ever Day-Night Test, turning a historic page in Caribbean cricket. After months of uncertainty, the lights passed inspection on July 9. Both teams trained under them to get used to the pink Dukes ball and shifting visibility.
Match referee Javagal Srinath and lighting specialists approved the setup. So now, Jamaica officially joins the list of pink-ball Test venues.
🎟️ Despite the Occasion, Local Buzz is Missing
Despite the historic nature of the match, local ticket sales have disappointed. As a result, the George Headley Stand will stay closed.
However, Aussie fans have arrived in decent numbers, likely to provide some energy. To enhance the vibe, organizers are bringing in live performances from both local and international artists during the early days.
🧪 Australia Use Day-Night Test as Ashes Warm-Up
Australia aren’t relaxing just because the series is theirs. This Day-Night Test doubles as their final trial before the Ashes.
Selectors are watching Sam Konstas, who could solidify a long-term role beside Usman Khawaja. Meanwhile, they’re considering a bold move: playing four pacers by swapping Nathan Lyon for Scott Boland. Though Lyon has conceded runs, he’s also taken key wickets — making the decision a tricky one.
🔁 West Indies Look to Bounce Back
The hosts have suffered two heavy defeats. But this is their last shot at redemption.
Skipper Roston Chase hinted at several changes. Kraigg Brathwaite might sit out after scoring just 15 runs across four innings, giving Mikyle Louis a shot. Keacy Carty may also be dropped. Additionally, Jomel Warrican could return after the Grenada all-pace attack fell flat.
🌡️ Swing, Heat & Pressure After Sunset
The pitch holds intrigue. It looks dry but carries a greenish tinge. During practice, the pink Dukes swung viciously — especially after sunset.
While bowlers benefit from twilight conditions, they’ll need to survive brutal daytime heat and humidity. Thankfully, a post-sunset sea breeze often cools things down. Expect swing, pace, and potentially another quick Test match.
🧾 Probable XIs
📍 Kingston, Jamaica | 🗓 July 12–16, 2025 | 🕖 1:30 PM Local / 12:00 AM IST (July 13)
West Indies:
Brathwaite/Louis, Campbell, Carty, King, Chase (c), Hope (wk), Greaves, A. Joseph, Warrican/Phillip, S. Joseph, Seales
Australia:
Khawaja, Konstas, Green, Smith, Head, Webster, Carey (wk), Starc, Cummins (c), Lyon/Boland, Hazlew
