MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – West Indies captain Shai Hope says his side will be taking nothing for granted against Australia’s new-look attack for the three-match One-Day International series beginning here today.
Selectors have rested the front-line pace attack of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, along with fast bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, while another quick Jhye Richardson has been sidelined with injury.
In their place, Australia have called up uncapped 25-year-old seamers Xavier Bartlett and Lance Morris, along with another 25-year-old pacer Aaron Hardie, who played his only ODI last September, along with the inexperienced Nathan Ellis.
“In this day and age you get the luxury of seeing a lot of technology and all the analysis that we need to [have] on all the opposition,” Hope told reporters here.
“I haven’t see them personally and I haven’t played against most of them but we’ve seen all the footage.
“We plan, we prepare, and that’s all part of the preparation so we certainly know what we’re coming [up] against.”
In the absence of Cummins, Australia will be led by veteran right-hander Steve Smith, who will have Travis Head as his vice-captain.
Also included in the squad is Test star Marnus Labuschagne, the right-hander averaging nearly 38 from 49 ODIs.
However, the 29-year-old enters the series on a run of poor form, having scraped 16 runs in four innings in the two-Test series against West Indies.
Hope said Labuschagne remained a dangerous player, and gave the assurance West Indies would not be lulled into a false sense of security.
“We plan for everyone the same way,” Hope said.
“Cricket is one of those games where you can score 10 ducks in a row and then in the next game you get a big one so we can’t take that for granted.
“We understand the type of player he is and anytime we’re going up against any strong opposition, you’ve got to make sure you plan for them regardless of whether they’re in form or not.
“As I said, he’s a quality player. We are certainly looking to keep him on that low run of form.”
The ODI series comes on the heels of a thrilling two-Test rubber which ended 1-1, after West Indies pulled off a stunning eight-run victory in the final Test at the Gabba last Sunday.
West Indies came in for high praise from the Australian fans over the performance and Hope said since arriving, his side had felt the same warmth from the public.
“Any time I come here I always feel welcome, whether it is on and off the field,” the stroke-maker explained.
“There is something about the Australian buzz. I’m always pleased to come here. I keep telling people it’s one of my favourite places to travel [to].
“I could probably speak on behalf of my teammates in the few days they’ve been here, they’ve always felt welcomed.
“As long as we’re doing well, the entire world are very happy to see West Indies cricket.”
