AUS vs WI: ODI Series – 5 players to watch out for
The West Indies managed to miraculously level the Test series against Australia last month. Now, the two teams will lock horns in a three-match ODI series, starting with the first game in Melbourne on Friday, February 2. In this article, we take a look at five players to watch out for in the series.
5. Alzarri Joseph
The West Indies pacer has been appointed as the vice-captain for this series. He picked up seven wickets in the two Tests at an average of 30.43. Joseph has played 66 ODIs and picked up 108 wickets. The right-arm seamer will enjoy bowling on the Australian surfaces that offer pace and bounce and he could be the go-to bowler for his side.
4. Steve Smith
Australia’s captain for this series didn’t have a great time with the willow in the ODI World Cup. However, he played a fighting knock of 91 not out in the second innings of the second Test and almost helped Australia snatch a win from the jaws of defeat. Smith’s experience could come in handy for an Australian side that has quite a few inexperienced players.
3. Shai Hope
The West Indies captain is one of the finest ODI batters of this generation. He has scored 5,132 runs from 116 ODI innings at an average of 50.81 and a strike rate of 77.92. Hope has notched up 25 fifties and 16 hundreds. His contribution will be key for the Caribbean side.
2. Travis Head
The left-handed batter recorded a king pair in the second Test. However, the last time he played in the 50-over format, he helped Australia win the ODI World Cup 2023 final against India by scoring a splendid century. The West Indies will do well to dismiss him early because he could be quite difficult to dislodge once he gets set.
1. Adam Zampa
The experienced leg-spinner finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023. He finished with 23 wickets from 11 games at an average of 22.39 and a strike rate of 25.04. Zampa has the ability to run through batting line-ups with his guile and deception. The West Indies batters have struggled against quality wrist-spinners in the past. It will be interesting to see how the current lot fares against Australia’s premier white-ball spinner.
