West Indies Vs Australia, Match Preview
After two games, the series is in a stage where one game can decide the series. Australia had found itself in a similar position earlier this year when they were down 2-0 to New Zealand. They fought back and leveled the series and will look to that series for some encouragement. They face a West Indies side that is high on confidence.
The West Indies haven’t done well at the top, but the other departments have masked their issues. The middle-order is full of power, and the bowling is doing well. Strike rotation was considered an issue, but Bravo’s promotion ensured strike in the middle-overs. He had a good partnership with Shimron Hetmyer, the looked-for ones and twos, and the big hits. The block was followed by a Russell special, which helped West Indies get to a big score.
Australia has struggled with the batting, and contributions from seniors like Aaron Finch and Mitchell Starc haven’t been enough. Mitchell Starc hasn’t done too well this year, and his form concerns the World Cup coming up. They suffered two collapses in two games, and the middle-order has gone missing. The shot selection has been poor, and the batters haven’t been patient.
West Indies Vs Australia, Team News
Kieron Pollard’s injury status is still unknown, and Nicholas Pooran looks set to continue as skipper. He has done well so far, and the leadership role has helped his batting improve. He seems more comfortable out in the middle, and his striking ability appears to be returning. Fidel Edwards is another injury concern, and the pacer may be rested for the upcoming game as a precautionary measure.
Australia will look to rotate some players as they search for a better combination. The middle-order lacks stability, and Australia will continue to search for a player who can guide them through the death overs. They have experience in Dan Christian, but he has not delivered yet. He will likely continue in the side, but a significant contribution is necessary.
Australia has three fast bowlers, including Riley Meredith on the bench, who could come in if Australia decides to rest or rotate one of their bowlers.
West Indies Vs, Australia, Predicted XIs
Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Matthew Wade (wk), 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Josh Philippe, 5 Moises Henriques, 6 Ben McDermott/Ashton Turner, 7 Dan Christian, 8 Ashton Agar, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood
West Indies (possible) 1 Lendl Simmons, 2 Andre Fletcher, 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Shimron Hetmyer, 5 Dwayne Bravo, 6 Andre Russell, 7 Nicholas Pooran (capt & wk), 8 Fabian Allen, 9 Hayden Walsh Jr, 10 Obed McCoy, 11 Sheldon Cottrell
West Indies Vs Australia, Players to Watch out For
Chris Gayle
After the first T20 against South Africa, Chris Gayle hasn’t contributed much. The wins have masked his form, and his performances could begin to worry the West Indies. He has not looked his explosive self and is taking longer to get set. With Hetmyer doing well and Kieron Pollard leading the side, Chris Gayle may have to make way once Pollard is fit. His average has gone below thirty, and Gayle will hope to make amends in the next game.
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is known for his pinpoint Yorkers at a high pace. He is usually a formidable bowler to get away, but he has gone wicketless in the first two games and conceded more than 40 runs in both games. Mitchell Starc is known to take some time to get into a rhythm, and his best could be around the corner. With the series on the line, Australia will hope for a significant contribution from one of their best white-ball bowlers.
West Indies Vs Australia, Pitch Report
The match will be played on a new surface, and more pace and bounce are expected. There is no rain predicted, and batting second will be the better option on a surface with pace in it.
