Australia Rest Tim David and Ben Dwarshuis for Fourth T20I Against West Indies, Elect to Bowl First

Basseterre, St Kitts – July 27, 2025: Australia has once again won the toss and opted to bowl first in the fourth T20 International against the West Indies, maintaining their consistent approach throughout the ongoing series. Skipper Mitchell Marsh, who has now won the toss for the fourth consecutive time, announced two strategic changes to the Australian playing XI, resting key players Tim David and Ben Dwarshuis for precautionary reasons.

In a move aimed at managing player workload amidst back-to-back fixtures, Australia has opted to rest explosive middle-order batter Tim David following his blistering unbeaten 102 off just 37 balls in the previous match. The decision comes as a precaution due to David’s recent recovery from a hamstring injury, though Cricket Australia has confirmed he is in good health and his absence is purely strategic.

Left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has also been rested, given his history of back issues. Dwarshuis has been a key component of Australia’s bowling unit in the absence of the regular pace trio and is being preserved with the remainder of the series in mind.

All-rounder Aaron Hardie has been brought in as David’s replacement and is slated to bat at number seven, with Cooper Connolly moving up to number six. Right-arm pacer Xavier Bartlett, who had an impressive run in the recent Major League Cricket (MLC) season and was a late addition to the squad following Josh Hazlewood’s rest, has been included in place of Dwarshuis and is expected to share new-ball duties.

Meanwhile, the West Indies have made one tactical alteration to their side. Seamer Matthew Forde replaces left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who conceded 38 runs in just two overs during Friday’s game. The change indicates a strategic shift in the bowling approach as the West Indies aims to level the series.

Playing XIs:

West Indies:

1. 1. 1. Brandon King

      2. Shai Hope (Captain & Wicketkeeper)

      3. Roston Chase

      4. Shimron Hetmyer

      5. Rovman Powell

      6. Sherfane Rutherford

      7. Jason Holder

      8. Matthew Forde

      9. Akeal Hosein

      10. Romario Shepherd

      11. Jediah Blades

Australia:

1. 1. 1. Mitchell Marsh (Captain)

      2. Glenn Maxwell

      3. Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper)

      4. Cameron Green

      5. Mitchell Owen

      6. Cooper Connolly

      7. Aaron Hardie

      8. Xavier Bartlett

      9. Sean Abbott

      10. Nathan Ellis

      11. Adam Zampa

As both teams look to fine-tune their preparations and test bench strength ahead of upcoming international commitments, the fourth T20I promises another exciting chapter in this closely contested series. The changes made by both sides reflect a balance between maintaining competitiveness and ensuring player fitness during a packed schedule. With the series finely poised, the fourth T20I presents an opportunity for emerging talents like Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie to make a strong impression on the international stage. Fans can expect another high-octane encounter as Australia look to continue their momentum and West Indies aim for a comeback with a reshuffled bowling attack.

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