Unsure Australia take on unpredictable West Indies

Tags: ICC World Twenty20 2012, Australia Vs West Indies 8th Match, Group B at Colombo - Sep 22, 2012, Darren Julius Garvey Sammy, George John Bailey

Published on: Sep 20, 2012

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

It is not often that Australia got into a major tournament low on hype. The on-going World T20 was one of those rare feelings for them. They were ranked behind Ireland, having been held to a draw in the T20s played in the West Indies and, more recently, had a tough time against Pakistan in the UAE.

It is not often that Australia got into a major tournament low on hype. The on-going World T20 was one of those rare feelings for them. They were ranked behind Ireland, having been held to a draw in the T20s played in the West Indies and, more recently, had a tough time against Pakistan in the UAE. Under such circumstances, they would have heaved a sigh of relief after the triumph over a ‘higher-ranked’ team, Ireland. As for West Indies, the feeling is exactly the opposite. This is one of the few tournaments held in the last decade and a half in which they are being considered among the hot favourites. They have the men to knock over most opponents, but again it will come down to their execution out on the field.

Team Australia analysis

If any further proof was needed of Shane Watson’s significance to the Australian side, it was on display in the match against Ireland. His bowling figures of 3 for 26 and quick-fire half century 51 made sure that Australia did not have any early hiccups in the tournament. It was key since one bad game early on could be enough to throw you out of the tournament. Watson apart, Australia did not need the services of their other big names against Ireland, but the scenario against West Indies would be different.

The experienced batsmen in the side like David Warner and Michael Hussey would have to come to the fore while a lot would also be expected of skipper George Bailey, big-hitter Cameron White as well as the ever-improving Glenn Maxwell. There are some fitness worries for the Aussies, with veteran left-arm spinner Brad Hogg down with a severe headache and fast bowler Mitchell Starc experiencing gastro. The nature of the event is such though that thesehindrances will have to be overlooked.

Team West Indies analysis

West Indies kick off their T20 campaign with the match against Australia. They would be keen to start on a winning note for more than one reason. Most crucially, if they go down to the Aussies on Saturday, it would become imperative for them to beat Ireland to qualify for the Super Eights. And while that is something they would be expected to do, the situation will also put them under immense pressure, and stranger things have happened with West Indies teams of the past, when they have had their backs to the wall. The 1996 World Cup upset against Kenya instantly comes to mind.

The reason why West Indies must believe that they can put is across Australia is simple – they have the team to do so. Which side in the tournament has the brutal power of Chris Gayle, the big-hitting ability of Kieran Pollard, the all-round skills of Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell, and the mystique of Sunil Narine? These players are tailor-made for this format of the game, and if the West Indians cannot win with this bunch, they cannot expect to triumph with any other group of players either.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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