West Indies will continue their build up to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) T20 World Title defence with a five-match series against Australia in the Caribbean. The series will begin on Friday.
The Australians are already in St. Lucia and have begun training. While their build up has not been as comfortable as they would have liked, a good Intra-Squad match would have their confidence high.
One of the reasons for the boost in confidence is the continued form of 38-year-old Dan Christian who is poised to make a return having last played a T20I back in 2017. The right handed T20 specialist stroked 47 from 31 balls and could provide a valuable middle order option given his experience and lack of leadership within the middle order.
There is no Steve Smith, Glen Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis within the middle. Their absence leaves the visitors in a tough position as they have also lost their last three series. This fact, coupled with a seven-year span between their last clash in the format and four losses in their last five encounters will have the men in yellow going all out to buck the trend.
As such, it could mean a breakthrough for several contenders including Matthew Wade.
The 33-year-old wicketkeeper batsman can play in the middle. In a 3-2 lost series against New Zealand in their last outing, Wade passed 25 once in five innings but with the lack of experience he could bring much support to Aaron Finch.
Finch is easily the most experienced player in the squad with 71 matches under his belt and the most dangerous batsman in the side. His strike rate of 152 coupled with an average of 38.45 makes no surprise he is ranked second among batsmen in the format.
However, the last time these two teams faced off in a series in West Indies, Finch scored 20 runs in two innings. Most of the touring party have not played in the Caribbean.
Among the batting options, Alex Carey is the most capped player with 30 matches while Mitchell March (20), Moses Henriques (14), Ashton Turner (11), and Josh Philippe (5) are young into their career.
Marsh was impressive in the practice match, hitting four sixes on his way to a 26-ball 56 while Turner also put his hand up for selection with 45.
Despite coming with a bowling-centric squad, the likes of Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc make the visitors a potent attack.
The left-arm speedster, Starc is three wickets short of 50 with a similar economy rate to Zampa with 6.95.
Zampa, who has featured in the Caribbean Premier League before has played 41 matches with 43 wickets and an economy rate of 6.92. The leg-spinner needs just six wickets to become the Aussies’ leading wicket-taker in the format.
Left-arm orthodox, Ashton Agar has also shared success for the Australians with 38 wickets including a best of 6-30 and economy rate of 6.87 while seamer, Andrew Tye has returned 39 wickets but been expensive with an economy rate of 8.94.
With competition aplenty in the bowling department, left-arm seamer, Jason Behendoroff’s economical spell in the practice match could be useful for his chances especially with Josh Hazelwood and Riley Meredith being expensive.
Australia Squad: Aaron Finch, Wes Agar, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
