It was an absolute thrashing that West Indies endured in the third ODI against Australia at Manuka Oval. We all anticipated it would be challenging for West Indies to compete against Australia, but things couldn’t have been more lopsided in an ODI match.
In all three matches, West Indies failed to bat out their full 50 overs. In the first ODI, they played 48.4 overs, in the second 43.3, and then their worst batting performance came in the third ODI when they were bowled out for 86 runs in just 24.1 overs.
The scoreline is also something West Indies would rather avoid looking at; they posted 231 in the first ODI, then collapsed to 175 in the second while chasing 259, and finally, they were bundled out for 86.
This West Indies squad wasn’t the strongest to visit Australia for ODIs, as many of their experienced and star players are currently committed to franchise cricket, leaving them with limited options.
The bowling performance wasn’t impressive either. In three matches, West Indies bowlers managed to take only 13 wickets, with their success coming mostly at Sydney where the pitch favored bowlers, leading to the dismissal of 9 Australian batters.
Australia chased down the target of 87 runs in just 6.5 overs, with Jake Fraser-McGurk smashing a blistering 17-ball-41 to showcase his fireworks. There was a brief battle between Alzaari Joseph and Fraser-McGurk, ending with Joseph dismissing the young Australian, but it provided little relief for West Indies.
With only 7 runs needed for victory, Steve Smith came in and elegantly smashed the first ball for a four, displaying the finesse of a tennis player. BBL hero Xavier Bartlett proved too difficult for West Indies to handle as he claimed 8 wickets in 2 ODIs at an astonishing average of 4.60.
Bartlett was elated for his performance in the winning cause of the team, he said, “Just great to get a taste of international cricket, great to cap it off with a series win. Was a real experience, always wanted to contribute to a win. There was some pressure but I tried to enjoy it, lucky it came off.”
Just trying to attack and take some wickets. Definitely swinging nicely. (On his favorite wicket so far) Can’t go past your first one. Nice to be part of this group, lot of debutants coming in, people you’ve played with and against. Big thanks to everyone, especially Queensland cricket.”
There’s little to cheer about for West Indies, who struggled to stay competitive against a young and inexperienced Australia. Both teams will now head to Blundstone Arena for the first of three T20 matches.
