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WI vs AUS 1st T20I- Match Preview
After the T20Is against South Africa, West Indies are all set to host Australia in a five-match T20I series. The home team succumbed to a series loss against the Proteas by a narrow margin of 2-3. As a result, Kieron Pollard and his men will aim to make amends and start on a winning note in the first T20I against Australia. The WI vs AUS T20I series will see an exhibition of stars going up against each other.
On the other hand, Australia is resuming its international journey after being away from the action for nearly four months. They last played a T20I series against BlackCaps in March 2021. With an eye over the T20 World Cup 2021, Aaron Finch and co. will be keen to find a settled combination and the backup players for a few spots ahead of the marquee tournament. With some of the senior players missing the tour, it will be an opportunity for the youngsters to rise to the occasion in the national colors.
Before we take a look at WI vs AUS Today’s Cricket Match Prediction, here’s a look at what does 1st T20I has to offer:
WI vs AUS – Predicted Playing XIs for the 1st T20I Match
West Indies
West Indies will have a lot of thinking to do as far as their playing XI is concerned especially after the series loss against the Proteas. Lendl Simmons and Even Lewis laid the foundation in possibly each game but it was the middle-order failure that proved too costly for the home team. While Pollard won a game single-handedly, the lack-luster effort from Nicolas Pooran, Andre Russell, and Shimron Hetmyer would definitely concern the WI team management.
Dwayne Bravo had an exceptional comeback series as the veteran all-rounder picked ten wickets in the five matches. Obed McCoy also had a brilliant series with the ball in the last series.
WI Playing XI: Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (C), Andre Russell, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Obed McCoy, Fidel Edwards
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Australia
Australia will miss their senior players like Steve Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, and Pat Cummins in this limited-overs series. Skipper Aaron Finch could shoulder the batting responsibility along with the likes of Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Josh Phillipe, and others. Mathew Wade is likely to open alongside Finch.
The experience of Daniel Christian can come in handy as an all-rounder capable of a few quick cameos in the lower order. In the bowling department, Mitchell Starc would be looked upon as the leader of the attack. Riley Meredith could be one of the players in focus ahead of the T20 WC. Adam Zampa and Mitchell Swepson – the two leg-spinners are likely to start for the visitors.
AUS Playing XI: Aaron Finch (C), Matthew Wade (W/k), Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Moises Henriques, Dan Christian, Mitchell Starc, Riley Meredith, Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa
WI vs AUS Head-to-Head record in T20I cricket
Matches: 11
Australia won: 5
West Indies won: 6
Looking at the WI vs AUS head-to-head T20I records, West Indies have a slight edge over Australia. The Caribbean team has won six matches including the last three encounters between the two teams. Hence, it will be exciting to watch out whether WI continues their winning run or can visitors overpower the defending world champions in the shortest format.
WI vs AUS 1st T20I – Players to Watch out for
Skipper Kieron Pollard will be one of the key players to watch out for the West Indies in the first T20I against Australia. Pollard had a below-apr series with the bat against SA and will be hoping to elevate his game in the T20I series. His power-hitting in the final few overs coupled with utility bowling is too crucial for West Indies in today's T20I match.
In the opposition camp, Aaron Finch, who is also their most experienced player in the squad, will be the player to watch out for in today's 1st T20I. The Victorian will open the batting alongside Matthew Wade. Finch's recent T20I form hasn't been too ideal for his team. The time is ripe for him to get back into rhythm starting with the first T20I against West Indies.
WI vs AUS Today Match Prediction – Who will win today’s T20I?
Today's WI vs AUS T20I match can be expected to be a close encounter at Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia. While Australia are not at full strength, the home team is also struggling with their middle order. However, despite that fact, hosts have far more experienced players who can play a match-winning role in a T20 match. As a result, West Indies will start as favorites and can today's WI vs AUS first T20 on July 9.
