The fragilities of Australia’s batsmen were once again exposed overnight, as the West Indies bowlers ripped through the top order before coasting to a five-wicket victory, the first over Australia in any form of the game since 2006.
Drizzle and overcast skies greeted the players as they arrived at the Arnos Vale ground and after winning the toss, West Indies captain Darren Sammy was happy to see how the tourists would handle the conditions, electing to field first.
Australia looked to have gotten off to a solid start, reaching 0/16 before a 90-minute rain delay stopped play and reduced the match to a 40-over contest.
After the resumption it didn’t take long for the home side to get on the front foot, with Kemar Roach removing David Warner (13) and Peter Forrest (0) in the second over back from the break.
Wickets continued to punctuate the Australian innings and only David Hussey (37) managed to find any semblance of comfort on a tricky pitch despite Michael Hussey, Shane Watson and George Bailey all making starts.
In only his second ODI on home soil, spinner Sunil Narine picked up 4/27 off his eight overs.
Conditions were definitely in favour of the bowlers and after Brett Lee trapped Kieran Powell leg-before off the opening ball of the innings, it looked as if Australia clamp down on the home side’s top order and make a contest of it.
But despite falling to a perilous 4/74, the West Indies were able to reach Australia’s target with 11 balls to spare after the steady hands of Kieron Pollard (47*) and Dwayne Bravo (30) secured the win for the home side, with Pollard lighting up the Australian attack with several booming sixes.
The five-ODI series continues on Wednesday morning Australian time and Australia’s batsmen will be eager to quickly erase the memory of this morning’s loss. You can read comprehensive over-by-over commentary on the 2nd ODI here.
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