Here is the series preview and review of Australia and South Africa’s West Indian tour.
West Indies
The West Indies claimed an unexpected win over the elite Proteas in the first ODI in what will be an exhilarating tri-series. This was made possible through the return of Sunil Narine, who claimed a career-best feat of 6-27 with his magical spin bowling. The classy batting of Kieron Pollard was also influential, as he conjured up a run-a-ball score of 67.
South Africa
Despite South Africa going down to the West Indies, middle order batsman, Rilee Rossouw made a handy contribution of 61 off 83 balls.
New inclusion, Aaron Phangiso also chipped in with handy figures of 3-40, however, it wasn’t enough to stop the energy of the Caribbean boys at Providence Stadium.
Australia
Many Australians are coming off playing in the Indian Premier League, however, one player that shone among the rest was David Warner. The left-hander hit a total of 848 runs throughout the tournament and was a part of a team who won their maiden IPL title.
The Aussies may be acclimatised to the hot and steamy conditions but will they struggle adapting to playing 50 overs against two impressive ODI sides?
Prime players
Australia: Mitchell Starc
The fast bowler finally makes his long-awaited and largely anticipated return to international cricket, as he overcomes his battle with injury to challenge the batsmen of the West Indies and the South African attacks.
The reports internally have been promising, with the Aussie selectors praising his efforts and his determination to get back to his electrifying best. Starc will be an important addition in the threatening Aussie side.
West Indies: Sunil Narine
It’s Narine’s time to shine, after returning from a lengthy suspension. The unique spinner has begun the series with a bang, claiming career-best figures to show the Aussies and the Proteas just how lethal he will be in this series.
He will be on a mission to dominate the bowling stats of the tournament, as he’s already shown what he’s capable of in just one match.
South Africa: Imran Tahir
Tahir is known as one of the best white-ball spinners, after continuing to build upon his domination in the ODI World Cup in 2015. Since then, the South African has shown impressive consistency, proving that he’s better suited to the 50-over format of the game.
Wildcards
Australia: Mitchell Marsh
Marsh is one of the most powerful batsman in the Australian line-up. He may have been scrutinised for his inconsistency, but one thing’s for sure- he can smack it a long way!
The all-rounder showed promising signs against New Zealand, despite his side going down 2-1 in the Chappell-Hadlee Cup. He plays well against spin so the Caribbean pitches will suit him, and this series is the perfect opportunity for him to solidify his spot in the Australian side.
West Indies: Carlos Brathwaite
Brathwaite is now recognised as a West Indian hero, after creating havoc in the last over of the T20 World Cup Final, to earn his team the 2016 title.
It’s obvious that he possesses immense power, as well as brute strength. If Brathwaite can produce some huge hitting in the series, it could be the difference between victory and defeat.
South Africa: Rilee Rossouw
Rossouw is arguably the most improved player in the South African side, as he has chipped in with some handy scores in the middle of the order- including a recent 61 against the Caribbean boys. He’s a player who knows how to control the proceedings of the game, as he has rescued his side from many top of the order batting collapses to give them a chance to claim an unlikely victory.
Rossouw loves the big stage and will be prepared to showcase his versatile batting to the best bowlers of the series.
Strugglers
Australia: George Bailey
George Bailey was once recognised as the best batsman in the Australian ODI side. Since then, he’s been an unfortunate victim of a form slump. As a result, he’s floated in and out of the side and struggled to regain his form.
However, the selectors have shown faith in him for this series and he needs to prove to them – and the rest of his team – that experience matters.
West Indies: Marlon Samuels
The West Indian all-rounder has been criticised for some time now, as he hasn’t produced a big score – or big figures – for what seems to be an eternity. It’s affected not only his form but also, the form of his side.
Samuels simply doesn’t provide any excitement or tenacity to the Caribbean line-up and needs to prove himself desperately. At the moment, he looks like he has lost his raw passion for playing cricket and is on the verge of not being able to play ever again if he doesn’t make a name for himself in this series.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock’s position at the top of the order is hanging by a thread. His inconsistency has meant that fellow opener, Hashim Amla is often left carrying the load of the opening partnership on his shoulders.
The wicketkeeper-batsman needs to co-operate with Amla, in order to get the Proteas off to a good start, a factor that will be crucial to South Africa’s chances of claiming the series.
Tip
The Caribbean pitches are tipped to be slower, paving the way for the spinners to step up to the plate and dominate the series. The spinners from all three sides have the ability to dominate the series, however, Australia’s duo of Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa leaves Aussie supporters licking their lips.
South Africa will definitely be hungry to bounce back after a disappointing loss, but may lack the class and experience needed to take the series by storm.
It’s the West Indies’ series for the taking on home soil, but the Australians will surely show immense poise and elite skill to claim the tri-series victory.
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