After getting hammered in the first two T20Is, Australia now stare at a potential series defeat when they take on West Indies in St Lucia, on Monday, 12 July. Too many holes in the Australian line-up have already been laid bare by an outstanding West Indies side.
While Australia may not have immediate answers to every problem, they do possess ample talent to turn things around. But for that, the senior players need to step up. Only Mitchell Marsh and Moises Henriques have reached double digits in both games.
Marsh’s returns with the bat have been the lone bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming collective performance. He made half-centuries in both matches as the rest around him struggled to get going.
Aaron Finch has scores of 4 the 6, while Matthew Wade got out for a two-ball duck. Ben McDermott has not yet fired from No. 6. McDermott may make way for Ashton Turner.
On the bowling front, Mitchell Starc’s profligacy has been a major worry for Australian team management. Starc has so far conceded 89 runs in eight overs and remained wicketless.
West Indies, on the other hand, have got their bases covered. Nicholas Pooran will lead until Pollard gets fully fit. They will be missing the service of Fidel Edwards, who endured an arm injury in the last T20I. Expect Obed McCoy, who bowled well in the South Africa series, to replace him.
Chris Gayle, however, is running out of time. He needs runs. Gayle failed to make any substantial impact versus South Africa, and has made 4 and 13 so far. However, the team management is not going to rush on any decisions, as was evident from Dwayne Bravo’s recent statement.
Bravo said Gayle’s inclusion is not about his productivity with the bat alone, for his presence brings a sense of calmness in the dressing room.
https://twitter.com/cricketnews_com/status/1414584972451586056
Head to Head
West Indies have emerged victorious on eight occasions, and lost only five times.
Probable XIs
West Indies: Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr, Sheldon Cottrell, Obed McCoy
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Josh Philippe, Ashton Turner, Moises Henriques, Ashton Agar, Daniel Christian, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.
Prediction
Australia to win the contest and level the series.