The nine-a-side Australian team lost to the West Indies by 35 runs in their last warm-up match before the Twenty20 World Cup. With many players still on leave after the end of the Indian Premier League, Mickey Marsh’s side will again need to call on their support staff for Thursday’s game in Port of Spain as substitute outfielders.
The Australian team suffered another blow when all-rounder Marcus Stoinis lost his gear on the way to Trinidad, ruling him out of the tournament.
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, ending up with 222-7 in reply to West Indies’ 257-4. A swashbuckling knock from number three Nicholas Pooran (75 off 25 balls) proved the difference between the two sides, both of whom thought they had a chance to go far in the World Cup.
In a strong IPL match against Lucknow Supergiants, Pooran showed his intentions by hitting a six off the first three balls he faced.
Fielding coach Andre Borovec gave Pooran life, leaving Ashton Agar frustrated but substitute fielder George Bailey, Australia’s chief selector, The opportunities presented by Adam Zampa’s bowling were not missed.
Tim David (1-40) became Australia’s most economical bowler in four off-spin overs, beating Rovman Powell (52) after the West Indies skipper turned half a century old.
Agar (28 off 13 balls) made a surprise start for Australia, with skipper Marsh (4) shifting to first ball.
The hero of last summer’s Gabba Test, Shamar Joseph broke up the opening partnership with an inswinger to leave David Warner in trouble in the second half. The veteran managed just 15 runs.
Newsletter Promotion Post
Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis top-scored with 55 off 30 balls, including five boundaries and four sixes, but Australia ran out of men and time to chase down everything 258 points required.
Australia will face Oman in Barbados on June 6 in the first match of the World Cup group stage.
