ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – Australia vs West Indies Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Australia vs West Indies taking place? Thursday 6th June – 10:30 (UK)
Where is Australia vs West Indies taking place? Trent Bridge, Nottingham
What is the expected weather for Australia vs West Indies? 17c with cloud but no rain forecast
What television channel is Australia vs West Indies on in the UK? Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Australia vs West Indies? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Australia vs West Indies? https://seatpick.com/2019-icc-cricket-world-cup-australia-v-windies-tickets/event/69966?aff=zone
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Australia beat West Indies by 7 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
AUSTRALIA
Coach: Justin Langer
Captain: Aaron Finch
- Australia eased past Afghanistan in their first World Cup match at Bristol as they chased down the Afghans’ modest total of 207 with seven wickets and 15 overs to spare dealing comfortably with the spin threat of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
- David Warner made his competitive return to international cricket in the perfect manner, hitting 89 not out to guide the team to victory as he opened alongside captain Aaron Finch, who himself hit 66 from 49 balls. Australia boasts arguably the most destructive opening combo of the World Cup and this performance will send a dangerous message to their opponents.
- The Aussies are expected to be unchanged from the win against Afghanistan as Adam Zampa justified his selection in the team as Australia’s sole spinner over Nathan Lyon with the leg-spinner picking up three wickets to stake his claim over keeping his place ahead of Lyon against the Windies.
WEST INDIES
Coach: Floyd Reifer
Captain: Jason Holder
- West Indies battered Pakistan in their opening match last Friday as a relentless barrage of short balls led by fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas and captain Jason Holder saw them dismiss Pakistan for just 105 with the four quicks taking all ten wickets.
- They will have benefited from plenty of rest leading into this clash as they have enjoyed a six-day break between games and no travel to undertake which should leave the Windies in fine physical condition coming into their second successive game at Trent Bridge where they will likely be unchanged.
- Much of West Indies’ hopes this tournament will rely on the form of the mercurial Chris Gayle at the top of the order and the 39-year-old made a solid start to his World Cup campaign, striking a brisk 50 from only 34 balls to help make short work of the Pakistan total.
THE PREDICTION
After brushing aside Afghanistan, Australia will face a far tougher test against a West Indies team high on confidence and familiar with the surroundings of Trent Bridge. Much will depend on the ability of the Australian batsman to handle the pace of the West Indian bowlers and the flurry of short balls they are likely to face. With the ball, the Aussies may be tempted to open with leg spinner Zampa in a bid to confuse Chris Gayle and tempt the Universe Boss into giving his wicket away early on. If Gayle doesn’t fire, then Australia should have enough with both bat and ball to keep the Windies in check and take the victory.
