With the ODI series level at 1-1, West Indies will up against Australia for the one last time in the tour on 27 July, in the third and final match at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The decider pushed back two days after their last encounter was postponed due to a Covid-19 scare.
The West Indies spinners, Hayden Walsh Jr and Akeal Hosein, are on a roll. In the first match, Walsh returned a career-best 5-39, while Hosein took three wickets in six balls in the second. But West Indies have struggled to finish the job, especially because of their fallible batting line-up.
West Indies required 253 to win the first match. They were left reeling at 27/6 inside eight overs before being bowled for 123. In the second, they slipped to 72/5 while chasing 188. Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran then came to the rescue to take West Indies past the finishing line with a 93-run sixth-wicket stand.
Australia, too, are having similar trouble in the absence of their regular captain Aaron Finch. In their last outing, they were down to 45/6 after opting to bat. Their improvised, new top four – Josh Philippe, Ben McDermott, Mitchell Marsh and Moises Henriques – have not performed yet.
However, the bowling unit, particularly Mitchell Starc, has been highly impressive since the third T20I. They will be boosted by the return of Josh Hazlewood, who was rested two days ago. He is likely to replace Riley Meredith, who did not have a great debut in the last match. Ashton Agar has also recovered from a hamstring injury, and is expected to replace younger brother Wes Agar.
The average first-innings total in Barbados is 230. There will be the same pitch in the third match that was used in the second. The weather forecast is all bright and sunny.
Betway Fantasy Tips
– Bet for Australia. They are yet to be beaten by West Indies in any bilateral ODI series since 1995.
– Starc has been in stupendous form. Pick him captain for this match.
– Walsh is a safe choice for the vice-captain pick. If you bet for West Indies, pick him as captain.
Head to Head
Australia have played West Indies 142 times in ODIs. They have won 75 and lost 61.
Likely XIs
West Indies: Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Mohammed, Kieron Pollard (c), Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Australia: Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Marsh, Moises Henriques, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (c & wk), Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Prediction
Australia should win this contest and seal the series.