The fourth ODI between Australia and West Indies will be played
at the Gabba in Brisbane. The Aussies have had a better of the West Indian side
in almost all the games of the series, and with the conditions at Gabba expected
to assist the quick bowlers, it will be difficult for the West Indians to be able
to make much progress in the game. The West Indian side had a relatively new
look in the previous game, and it was not too surprising to see Wavell Hinds replace
Runako Morton. Morton had earlier looked woefully out of touch, and Hinds has
had opened the West Indian innings with Chris Gayle earlier which meant
that there was a reasonable chance that the two will click. It does not look like
it is going to change for the game. Click for Live Score Card of Australia vs West IndiesApart from that, rather surprisingly,
Kemar Roach was not picked and in his place the West Indian side had Darren Sammy going in. That was probably done in order to achieve two things; one
was to get some rest for Roach who has been West Indies' lone torch bearer in
the bowling department for some time and also to strengthen the batting down the
order. Sammy is a decent batsman, who can score his runs if given an opportunity. For
Australia, Shaun Marsh's last minute pull-out due to back spasms had given Adam
Voges a chance to open the innings. However, given that he did not perform too
well, and failed to grab the chance that he got, there is every likelihood that
he will now be relegated to the dressing room, if Marsh becomes fit. The
bowling remained the same, but given that Shane Watson had been afforded
a rest, James Hopes made a comeback. Hopes is a decent all-rounder and like Watto
can do more than just one role. That is the one reason he will continue to play
in the side. The one option that the Aussies have if Marsh does not get fit for
this game is for Voges to bat down the order and for Hopes to open the innings.
Nathan Hauritz could be tiring now. It is the end of the season
and ever since the tour of India, he has been doing his bit with the ball, and
without support. While it is difficult to see him given a break, the Aussies need
to beware of affording him sufficient rest as well.
|