Australia was hit by a COVID-19 scare just before the first ODI against West Indies as wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis tested positive for the virus.
Although Inglis is COVID positive he has been allowed to play in the match by maintaining appropriate distance from players and officials involved in the match.
Talking about the match Australian captain Steve Smith has won the toss and elected to bowl first with the fast bowling duo of Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett making their debuts for the world champions.
A Happy Man
Bartlett has been impressive in Australia’s domestic circuit and has had a good couple of seasons with the ball.
Reacting to the news of his debut the fast bowler said “I’ve had a few layoffs with injuries and have just been trying to hone my skills with our bowling coach in Queensland, Andy Bichel, he’s been really good for me.”
“Having that extended layoff, which is frustrating, now standing here you see the light at the end of the tunnel. “But I still need to improve on a lot of things to get to where I want to get to.”
Fellow fast bowler Lance Morris who traveled with the squad on Australia’s Test tour to India last year has the reputation of bowling at express pace.
A Golden Opportunity
On the other hand, the series provides West Indies a chance to continue the momentum the team gained after their series win against England at home. Talking about the importance of the series captain Shai Hope said “It’s great momentum for us, obviously a different format, but it will be great signs for us to continue what happened in the last Test in this ODI series.” “It’s great to deepen that (talent) pool and what’s a better way to start your career than here in Australia for some of these guys.”
West Indies (Playing XI): Justin Greaves, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Kavem Hodge, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Hayden Walsh, Gudakesh Motie, Oshane Thomas
Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, Josh Inglis(w), Steven Smith(c), Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Lance Morris, Adam Zampa
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