ICC World Cup 2019: Match 10, Australia vs Windies, Preview – Caribbean flair locks horns with the Aussie spirit on a high-scoring ground

Australia and Windies, two teams with sensational history in this competition, once again combat at the highest level. They played the first ever World Cup final in 1975 and also had a memorable encounter in the 1996 World Cup, where Australia pipped the Caribbeans in the semifinals.

A lot has changed since that famous clash in the 1996 semifinals, with Windies cricket falling apart and Australia becoming a powerhouse. Perhaps after a very long time in this format, both these sides will be entering the battlefield as equals and that should make up for a very interesting contest.

Both teams got off to a winning start in this tournament, with the Aussies taking down Afghanistan and Windies hammering Pakistan. There is a lot of promise in both these squads and plenty of runs are on offer, but also spare a thought for the pool of amazing fast bowlers who will be in action on Thursday.

Playing Combinations

Australia

There will be no further tinkering done with the batting lineup, with Warner and Finch opening and Khawaja and Steve Smith at number 3 and 4. The line-up after that is subject to change as Glenn Maxwell might come in at number 5 given the top four bat for a long time. They’ll continue with the same bowling attack with three speedsters and Adam Zampa being the lone spinner.

Probable XI

Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Windies

No changes are expected in the Windies line-up as well. They need some runs from Darren Bravo just to get some assurance at that position. Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer in the middle order make up for a very exciting middle overs to watch out for. They have three outstanding all-rounders in skipper Holder, Russell and Brathwaite, who will be very crucial in both departments. Ashley Nurse will be the lone spinner alongside five seaming options.

Probable XI

Chris Gayle, Shai Hope (WK), Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Jason Holder (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas.

Focus will be on

Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

He didn’t get to bat or bowl in the previous game, but if there’s some turn on offer, Glenn Maxwell will be in the picture. Not to forget, his pyrotechnics with the bat in the last World Cup played a crucial role in helping Australia win their fifth trophy. There are some bowlers he could be targetting and if he can get his plans well worked out, we could be up for a big performance from the Big Show.

Oshane Thomas (Windies)

Oshane Thomas chipped in with a classic Windies fast bowler performance against Pakistan. He bowled some scary bumpers, troubled the batsmen with his extra pace and picked big wickets. The Australian batsmen are used to playing speedsters like him and it’ll be interesting to see what ploy he chooses to trouble these gentlemen.

Head to head

Matches Played – 139 | Australia won – 73 | Windies won – 60 | No Result – 3 | Tied – 3

Stat Attack

4 – Mitchell Starc needs four more wickets to complete 150 scalps in ODIs.

50 – This will be Pat Cummins’ 50th ODI.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Live Streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local