Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood gave the cricketing world a stark reminder of how good they are, as they tore through the West Indies batting line up to give Australia a dominant 133 run victory. Can the West Indies find a way to bat 50 overs? Or will Australia run riot once again in Barbados? We’ve got you covered with a preview and tips for the second one dayer!
The 2nd ODI between the West Indies and Australia was scheduled to take place on Friday morning, but due to COVID-19, the game has been rescheduled to Monday morning Australian time. Our full preview and betting tips for the game still stand, as we don't think a two day postponement will have much effect on the game.
West Indies vs Australia 2nd ODI Preview & Betting Tips
Kensington Oval, Monday July 26th, 4:30am AEST
Match Prediction
After the Aussies stumbled their way to what looked like a mediocre 9/252, before Mitchell Starc (5/48) and Josh Hazlewood (3/11) put together a remarkable opening spell, that left the Windies 6/27. The West Indies top seven combined for three ducks, two single figure scores and just one score above 12, as Kieron Pollard’s 56 made sure the West Indies weren’t bundled out for under 100.
Australia’s batting performance continued a similar narrative that has been seen all tour long. A solid platform laid by the top three (Philippe 39, McDermott 28), but they finally got contributions from the middle order as captain Alex Carey (67) and Ashton Turner (49) as the Aussies finally looked like posting a big score, at 4/218 in the 44th over. But after being a late inclusion into the squad, Hayden Walsh was once again the chief destroyer with 5/39 as Australia lost 5/29.
However Australia will take confidence that their inexperienced batting unit showed plenty of promise, but as it looked coming into the series, the Windies batting method in 50 over cricket is a huge concern. Shai Hope’s absence through injury left a big hole, however it was clear to see the West Indies tried to bat like they were still playing T20’s. Batting in that manner just doesn’t cut it when Starc and Hazlewood are on. Starc finally got the ball to swing, while the length bowling of Hazlewood, Marsh (1/7) and Wes Agar (0/15) proved difficult to score off on a two paced pitch.
The Aussies had four players in the top six score 28 or more, but none went on to get a big hundred, giving Australia good scope to improve on a solid batting performance. Philippe gives Australia a dominant ball striker at the top of the order, with Marsh, Carey and Turner well suited to the inconsistent pace that the Kensington Oval wicket provides. The Windies ultra aggressive approach doesn’t hold up in 50 over cricket on these types of pitches, against the quality that Australia have in their bowling attack.
The West Indies have lost seven of their last ten ODI’s, and Australia have won seven of their last nine ODI’s. Even with a weakened side, Australia’s method is much stronger than the Windies which showed in game one. The Aussies bowling attack is too good for the West Indies in this format, and they’ll be the key factor again as they take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
West Indies Prop
Hayden Walsh wasn’t originally in the West Indies ODI squad for this series, but his late inclusion was worthwhile, taking 5/39 in game one. Walsh had a twelve ball period where he took 5-12, as he turned a game once again as he has done in nearly every match against Australia. Walsh has taken 17 wickets at an economy of 5.96 in six limited overs matches against Australia on this tour. Australia have struggled against leg spin in white ball cricket for the last ten years, and as shown on this tour, it doesn’t look like changing any time soon. Expect Walsh to continue his outstanding form.
Walsh Top WI Wicket-Taker
$3.25
Australia Prop
Alex Carey relished the responsibility of becoming Australia’s 26th ODI captain, as he top scored with a mature 67 off 87 deliveries. Carey came to the crease with the game in the balance at 3-99 with the West Indies in a strong position, before combining with Ashton Turner in a 114 run partnership which swung the game in Australia’s favour. Carey has been a solid contributor since his debut scoring 1158 runs at an average of 37, providing excellent balance in Australia’s middle order, being able to score at whatever tempo the game requires. Carey’s only other match against the Windies was back in the 2019 World Cup where he scored a crucial 45 to dig Australia out of trouble. Carey’s style is well suited to the two paced pitches in Barbados, and his ability to score 360 degrees is a major asset. Carey led from the front in game one, and is an excellent value to be the Australians top scorer in game two.
Carey Top AUS Runscorer
$6.00
