Opening batsman David Warner made his first one-day worldwide (ODI) century outside Australia to set his team on their way to a 36-run victory over South Africa in the fourth match of a triangular ODI series on Saturday.
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Australia, with nine points, leads the standings in the three-nation tournament ahead of South Africa (five) and West Indies (four). Its campaign commenced with a comfortable win against the host in Providence before defeat at the hands of South Africa at the same venue saw it make vast improvements to settle scores in the following fixture in Basseterre. That’s the most important thing about this game, is rotating the strike.
Young legspinner Adam Zampa stepped up in a tense finish, grabbing three wickets and creating a chance that James Faulkner put down at point.
Australia’s greatest cause for concern is the injury picked up on the field up David Warner in the win against South Africa.
David Warner has suffered a broken finger, with Australia’s form batsman to spend up to six weeks on the sidelines.
“It’s doubly disappointing to have David Warner sidelined because of his outstanding form plus his attitude and professionalism around the group which has been a joy to work with”, said caretaker coach Justin Langer. To me it is just got the same bruising marks as a normal bung on the finger does.
“I’ve encouraged the players not in the starting eleven to be ready at all times because you never know when opportunities might come”. Hopefully, being positive, there’s not much damage. Warner’s century was the difference in the match, and despite the short boundaries at Warner Park, almost half his runs came in ones and twos.
It is unlikely Australia will fly in extra cover for Warner.
The man best primed to exploit any weakness if Warner is ruled unavailable is Sunil Narine.
“It is important we pick up wickets with the new ball”.
The visitors are the favourites to win this clash and it will take a special effort from West Indies if they are to stop Australia from blowing them away.
The West Indian batsmen will have to show greater spirit if they are to counter the Australians.
Denesh Ramdin in practice in St Kitts.
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“We will assess the situation over the coming days to see if the injury requires a surgical option but should that not be the case then David is likely to be available to return to play in somewhere between two and six weeks”, said Australia team doctor Geoffrey Verrall. We had some promising starts, good partnerships.
