Thursday 7 February 2013

4th ODI: Australia push to keep momentum


A largely one-sided series is dead in terms of a result and injury concerns on both sides means that Australia and West Indies are likely to make at least one change for the fourth ODI in Sydney on Friday. Both Chris
Gayle and George Bailey picked up injuries in Canberra and their respective team managements should opt for safety when drafting up their XIs.

Bailey's hamstring injury forced the selectors to draft in Adam Voges as cover and it is foreseeable that he steps in, considering the series is already in the bag. The Western Australia batsman last played an ODI two years ago. Australia last won four matches in a row during the 2011 World Cup and they will be keen to keep their strong run of form going with an eye on this summer's ICC Champions Trophy.

Kieron Pollard's two stunning outfield catches aside and a return to form from Darren Bravo, there is little West Indies will look back on from the third match in Canberra. The visitors should be concerned with the performance of their fast bowlers who have struggled to contain Australia's batsmen during the death overs. In the third ODI, Kemar Roach and Andre Russell conceded runs at 8 and 8.20 an over. Roach's economy after three matches sits at a worrying 7.23 and he could be rested with Tino Best stepping in.Having lost the series, it is unlikely that West Indies will risk playing Gayle who has a side strain. His spot looks set to go to Johnson Charles while a struggling Ramnaresh Sarwan could be swapped with Narsingh Deonarine.
Australia have beaten West Indies 16 times at the SCG; West Indies have won nine times - the last being way back in 1993.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...