The Tri-series format has been revived in the Carribean and it is outsiders the West Indies to take on South Africa who have plenty of cricket on the radar. Join The Roar for live scores from 3am (AEST).
Australia will be the third team in this Tri-series and one would expect coming in that it will be the Proteas taking on the Australian’s in the final, but of course cricket is a funny game and there is some serious talent in the West Indies squad.
Despite the fact they are missing Chris Gayle, the key will be with the future and captain Jason Holder.
The youngster, still finding his feet on the international cricket stage has a massive opportunity in this series on home soil to push his position with the ball, be aggressive with captaincy and also chip in handy scores with the bat in the middle to lower order.
Simply put, if Holder doesn’t fire – and being a bowler either gets frustrated with the way things are going in the field or with his own bowling – then it is hard to see the Windies firing.
In saying that, they do have some experience and depth in their squad – Spin bowlers Sulieman Benn and Sunil Narine could well have the edge over the Proteas here and need to bowl well while the addition of Kieron Pollard always strengthens a team up with the bat, ball and energy in the field.
The South Africans have a typically strong squad for the series, and put in a good warm-up performance against a West Indies Cricket Board XI in the Port of Spain. While there is still room for improvement, they put on a strong score of 280 with Hashim Amla leading the way on 92.
After a slow start, losing wickets they recovered well and with only one game it isn’t a real true indicator of form – meaning there is every chance the top order will fire and not place so much pressure on the likes of AB De Villiers and Faf du Plesis.
Their bowlers could only get 24 overs in due to rain, and it was Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada who impressed with the new ball – keeping things very tight even if they couldn’t pick up wickets.
Prediction
Despite the home ground advantage, South Africa have a ridiculously strong squad and will have to play ordinarily to lose. If Jason Holder has a big game then the West Indies are a chance, but this shouldn’t be a game in suspense to the end.
South Africa comfortably.
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Camo McD
Roar Guru
Geez Narine was impressive. 6 wickets and they couldn't even hit him off the square. Action looked a bit more solid too. Good signs. Windies batting not the most reliable but hopefully they can chase this down.