West Indies clinch the series by 4-1
West Indies beat Australia by 16 runs in the fifth and last T20I to win the series 4-1. West Indies rode on a blistering knock from Evin Lewis to post 199/8. Australia were then restricted to 183/9.
Lewis's 34-ball 79 included four fours and nine sixes. Chris Gayle (21 off 7) too smashed two fours and two sixes in his short stay at the crease. Nicholas Pooran made 31 off 18.
In reply, Australian batters got starts but none could convert into something substantial. Sheldon Cottrell and Andre Russell picked three wickets each to derail their chase.
Dhawan discusses Dravid and Shastri
Shikhar Dhawan is set to become India’s 25th ODI captain, against Sri Lanka. He will also lead them in the T20Is. In the absence of Ravi Shastri, the BCCI have roped in Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the tour.
Ahead of the match, Dhawan discussed the differences between the two Indian coaches. While Dravid brings a sense of calmness in the camp, Shastri tends to get a bit aggressive, feels Dhawan.
The first ODI will start on July 18 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Prithvi Shaw is likely to pair Dhawan as the second opener of the side.
Both teams will start evenly, feels Shanaka
Dasun Shanaka feels the battle will be evenly contested by India and Sri Lanka. He reasoned that the majority of the Indian cricketers are short on international exposure.
‘We all know that they have played IPL, but still they haven’t played international cricket, so both the teams have even chances,’ said Shanaka at the press conference.
Shanaka will be leading the side for the first time as a full-time captain. He succeeded Kusal Perera, who will not be a part of this series due to an injury. He once led the team in a T20I series versus Pakistan in 2019. Sri Lanka won that series 3-0.
Wade relishes idea of captaining Australia
Matthew Wade has emerged as a contender to lead Australia in the ODI series against West Indies. Aaron Finch is doubtful after picking up a knee injury while fielding in the fifth T20I.
Wade has admitted that he may not even break into playing XI if Finch recovers. But in Finch’s absence, Wade may go on to lead the side. Wade played all five matches of the T20I series without leaving a mark.
Played as an opener in the first four games, Wade was slotted back in the middle order for the last T20I. His last ODI appearance came almost four years ago.