Bartlett’s impressive debut sees him claim a four- wicket haul to dismiss West Indies.
In his maiden international appearance, debutant Xavier Bartlett shone with the ball for Australia, finishing with an impressive 4-17 in the opening game of the ODI series at the MCG on Friday (February 2). Bartlett’s stellar bowling display played a crucial role in restricting West Indies to 231. Subsequently, Australia secured a comfortable victory, with Josh Inglis (65), Cameron Green (77*), and Steve Smith (79*) contributing half-centuries, guiding the hosts to an 8-wicket win with 11.3 overs to spare.
Australia faced an early setback in their chase when Matthew Forde dismissed Travis Head in the opening over. However, Josh Inglis took charge, accumulating boundaries and capitalizing on the inexperienced Forde. Inglis reached a brisk 28-ball fifty, showcasing aggressive intent against Oshane Thomas. Despite West Indies’ introduction of spin, Inglis continued to score boundaries before falling victim to a successful DRS review, confirming a glove on a reverse-sweep attempt off Gudakesh Motie.
Cameron Green, partnering with Inglis in a 79-run stand, assumed control after Inglis’ departure. Green attacked Motie and Romario Shepherd, hitting sixes to maintain the scoring momentum. Although West Indies attempted to tighten the game with some economical overs, Green and Smith managed their partnership effectively, surpassing 150 before the 15th over concluded. Green reached his fifty off 61 balls, while Smith achieved his half-century even faster, taking only 58 deliveries. The duo’s partnership flourished, reaching 149 runs before Smith sealed the victory with a boundary in the 39th over.
In the initial stages, Australia’s decision to bowl proved fruitful, thanks to Xavier Bartlett’s brilliant start, dismissing the openers within the first four overs. Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves fell victim to Bartlett’s precision, setting the tone for a dominant spell. Despite a brief lapse in the review system, Bartlett continued to excel, claiming three wickets in his first six overs, including the crucial wicket of Shai Hope. Green’s contribution with the ball, dismissing Kavem Hodge, further compounded West Indies’ struggles, reducing them to 59/4.
West Indies found stability through a resilient 110-run partnership between Keacy Carty and Roston Chase. Carty, initially cautious, reached his fifty off 82 deliveries, while Chase showcased a more rapid scoring rate. However, Australia’s comeback with quick wickets in the later stages restricted West Indies, with Chase, Carty, and Shepherd falling in succession. Hayden Walsh and Matthew Forde provided valuable runs, but West Indies’ innings concluded in the 49th over.
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