West Indies have one more chance to iron out their shortcomings before the World Cup when they face Scotland in a T20I. They did put up a fight in the last game, and the bowlers almost held a 145-run lead, but their batting remained vulnerable. Perhaps bringing in a seasoned Evin Lewis can help them improve that division. Australia has three more T20Is against England following this one, so they can afford to take their time. Cameron Green has been given an extended run at the top, and if an injury worry occurs before the World Cup, the hosts will have a competent alternative ready. The coin toss and teams are about to begin. Keep an eye out.
Preview of the Match
With the T20 World Cup starting in less than a week, final preparations are ongoing for many sides, including Australia and the West Indies. After huffing and puffing to win in the first game, Australia has taken an early lead in the two-match series and will want to finish it off in a clinical manner. This will be West Indies’ penultimate international match before the major event, and they will be trying to get the most out of the game while also achieving series parity.
Australia skipper Aaron Finch batted at No. 4 for the first time in his 96-match T20I career. He subsequently said he did so to accommodate the in-form Cameron Green at the top while providing some experience to the middle order. In a dramatic finale to the first T20I, the result was a match-winning 58, with West Indies doing themselves no favors by losing several catches in the final.
Apart from Finch, Matthew Wade’s renaissance as a finisher continued as he stayed till the end, making a 29-ball 39 to help Australia win a 146-run chase with delivery to spare and three wickets in hand. The victory was too close for comfort, and Australia hopes that key players like David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Glenn Maxwell get some great batting practice.
A cover-driven six off the back foot from Kyle Mayers is a slick and bold stroke, but West Indies need more substance from their top order. West Indies were in danger of being bowled out cheaply after losing wickets at frequent intervals, and if it hadn’t been for Odean Smith’s 17-ball 27, they might have finished with a lot less than the 146 they achieved. While they have depth in their batting order, a sturdy foundation will serve them well.
When: Friday, October 7 at 6:10 PM Local Time (1:40 PM IST)
Where: The Gabba, Brisbane
What to expect from the match: Only five T20Is have been played at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, with the most recent match being Australia-Sri Lanka in 2019. West Indies are the only side to have defeated Australia in a Twenty20 International at The Gabba, which occurred in 2013. The circumstances are predicted to favor batsmen, with teams batting first faring better. The match day weather is expected to be pleasant, with a high of 20 degrees Celsius.
Team news
Australia: Australia will likely stick with the 11 that played in the first T20I at Carrara Oval, which means Steven Smith will not play.
Possible XI: David Warner, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Aaron Finch (c), Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
West Indies: To strengthen their batting unit, the Caribbean side could consider bringing in Evin Lewis instead of Raymon Reifer.
Possible XI: Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran(w/c), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Yannic Sariah, Alzarri Joseph, Sheldon Cottrell
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