West Indies are touring Australia for a multi-format series. The Test series ended in a draw and Australia clean-swept the ODI series by a 3-0 margin. The two sides will now face each other in the shortest format, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in June 2024.
The first game of the three-match series will be played at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on February 9. The series offers a great opportunity for both sides to prepare for the upcoming global event. It gives the management from both nations to get their combinations right.
West Indies big guns are set to give Australia a crucial test as the sides ramp up preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Star talents Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell are among those joining the Caribbean side for the three-game series, beginning in Hobart on Friday night.
It’s one of six straight T20s the Australians play in coming weeks, heading to New Zealand for another series, before individuals take part in the IPL between March and May.
It is a vital preparation for the squad as they get ready for a home T20 World Cup in June.
Australia, meanwhile, will be high in confidence after their ODI series win. Most of their regular players were rested but they displayed a solid all-round performance to emerge victorious. With the regular players back in the squad, they will hope to start the series on a winning note.
Australia vs West Indies Probable XIs
Australia
Probable XI
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Hazlewood, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa
West Indies
Probable XI
Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd/Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph
Australia vs West Indies Match Prediction
Australia were fantastic in the ODI series, winning it by a 3-0 margin. They will be looking to repeat the same performance in the T20I series.
The hosts have the momentum behind them coming into this format and are expected to continue their winning run.
Prediction: Australia to win this contest.