World Cup 2019, Australia v West Indies, as it happened: Coulter-Nile, Starc star in 15-run win
Here are highlights from the 10th group stage match of the 2019 World Cup.
Batting first, Australia got all out for 288 in 49 overs.
West Indies finished with 273/9 in 50 overs.
You can follow our complete World Cup 2019 coverage here.
11:18 pm: Australian captain Aaron Finch: “We just kept hanging in there. From 4 for 30-odd to be able to fight back, that partnership between Alex Carey and Steve Smith to get us a little deeper, and then Nathan Coulter-Nile to play the way he did was exceptional. It’s not ideal for the top order to miss out and put us in that position but even with the ball we hung in there and I’m really proud of the boys today.”
11:15 pm: West Indies captain Jason Holder: “Obviously disappointed. I thought we were well in the game. Just a few irresponsible shots when we probably just needed to tap it around a little bit more. Having said that, I still think there’s lots of positives to take out of this game. We dropped Coulter-Nile when he was about 60-odd and he got about another 30 runs. That was one pivotal moment but obviously the batting. If we came here at the start of the day and limited Australia to 280, we’d have taken that. The batters need to take the responsibility and knock it off. It’s still early days. We have to be more consistent. When we have teams down, we have to keep them down.”
11:08 pm: Player of the match Nathan Coulter-Nile: “I didn’t think I’d score that much but I’m happy to. I got a bit of a spray for getting out when Smithy was on 80 in one of the practice games so I thought I’d just try to stick around for a bit. Luck went my way. A couple fell short, I got dropped, but that’s the way cricket goes. We back ourselves to defend anything. If we had got bowled out for 150, we’d still back ourselves. The wicket was a bit up and down but I got settled in and got used to it at the end. It looked like West Indies were on track the whole way until Starcky took three or four at the end there.”
Ashley Nurse hits Nathan Coulter-Nile for four boundaries in a row to end the innings but it isn’t enough for the West Indies. Australia record their second win of the tournament in as many matches.
AUSTRALIA WIN BY 15 RUNS!
After 49 overs, West Indies 257/9 – Nurse 3, Thomas 0
Another good over for Australia, just a single comes from it after some stunning work at the boundary from Glenn Mawell. West Indies have scored six runs in the last four overs. They need 32 off the final six deliveries.
After 48 overs, West Indies 256/9 – Nurse 2, Thomas 0
Wicket-maiden to finish off for Mitchell Starc. Just a leg-bye along with a wicket in that over. The 29-year-old has figures of 5/46 from his 10 overs. Simply outstanding!
After 47.3 overs, West Indies 256/9 – Nurse 2
WICKET! Mitchell Starc gets a fifer! His 6th in ODIs. What a performer he is for the Australians. The left-arm pacer fires in a yorker from around the wicket and the right-handed Sheldon Cottrell has no answer for it. Starc was the player of the tournament in the last World Cup.
Cottrell b Starc 1 (2)
After 47 overs, West Indies 255/8 – Nurse 2, Cottrell 1
Australian captain Aaron Finch slips in an over from Marcus Stoinis and the Australians concede just three singles from it. West Indies have Ashley Nurse and Sheldon Cottrell at the crease now. They need 34 off 18.
After 46 overs, West Indies 252/8 – Nurse 0
WICKET! Mitchell Starc, you absolute star! What an over from the left-arm pacer – just a single and two wickets from it. The second one is of Jason Holder. The West Indies captain mis-times a pull and it goes straight to short-fine. Aussies on top!
Holder c Zampa b Starc 51 (57)
After 45.3 overs, West Indies 252/7 – Holder 51
WICKET! Australia get the breakthrough! And it’s that man Starc again. He bowls a low full-toss and Brathwaite mis-times his hoick. Finch runs back at mid-on to take an easy catch.
Brathwaite c Finch b Starc 16 (16)
After 45 overs, West Indies 251/6 – Holder 50, Brathwaite 16
Another boundary for Brathwaite, this time straight back off Cummins. The right-arm pacer finishes with figures of 2/41 from his 10 overs. West Indies have added 35 runs for the seventh wicket. They need 38 off 30.
After 44 overs, West Indies 243/6 – Holder 50, Brathwaite 9
FIFTY for Jason Holder! He gets there in as many balls. This is his ninth ODI half-century! Carlos Brathwaite then pulls a Nathan Coulter-Nile bouncer for a massive six. Good over for the West Indies, 10 runs come from it. They need 46 off 36.
After 43 overs, West Indies 233/6 – Holder 47, Brathwaite 2
Another brilliant over from the Aussies. This time Cummins gives away just a single. West Indies have score just 3 runs from the last 13 balls. They need 56 off 42. The pressure of the required run-rate is building.
After 42 overs, West Indies 232/6 – Holder 46, Brathwaite 2
Brathwaite survives! He attempts a pull but mis-times it, Coulter-Nile goes for a return catch but can only get his fingertips to it. A superb over from the Aussie pacer, though, just two singles from it. West Indies need 57 off 48.
After 41 overs, West Indies 230/6 – Holder 45, Brathwaite 1
Super shot from Jason Holder! Adam Zampa pitches it right up and the West Indian captain plays the perfect cover-drive for four. He then gets lucky as a thick outside edge runs past short-third for a boundary. The Aussie leg-spinner finishes with figures of 1/58 from his 10 overs.
After 40 overs, West Indies 221/6 – Holder 37, Brathwaite 0
Shot! Nathan Coulter-Nile bowls a short ball and Jason Holder pulls it over mid-wicket for four. Carlos Brathwaite is the new man at the crease for the West Indies. They need 68 off 60.
After 38.5 overs, West Indies 216/6 – Holder 32
WICKET! What. A. Catch. Andre Russell is gone! Poor batting from the right-hander. He gets a four and then goes for another hoick. The ball goes high up and Maxwell runs at least 20 meters back from point and takes the catch. That had shades of Kapil Dev from 1983.
Russell c Maxwell b Starc 15 (11)
After 38 overs, West Indies 210/5 – Holder 32, Russell 11
SIX! DreRuss is in the house people! Adam Zampa tosses it up and Andre Russell smashes it a long, long way. That went a 103 meters! Wow! He follows that up with another drive that lands inches inside. 12 runs come from that over. West Indies need 79 off 72.
After 37 overs, West Indies 198/5 – Holder 31, Russell 0
SIX! Much-needed push for the Windies! Mitchell Starc bowls three dot balls before banging the fourth one in, Jason Holder swivels and pulls it, the ball takes the top-edge and flies over the ‘keeper all the way. The left-arm pacer completes the over with another dot ball and a single.
After 36 overs, West Indies 191/5 – Holder 24, Russell 0
Jason Holder survives! Adam Zampa wraps him on the pads and umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge raises his finger, but DRS shows the ball was going down leg. West Indies were lucky to have the review left.
“The umpiring in this game has been atrocious,” says Michael Holding on air.
After 35 overs, West Indies 190/5 – Holder 23
Wicket! Massive blow for the Windies as Shai Hope is gone! He mis-times a flick and it goes straight to mid-on. Out walks Andre Russell. This partnership is it for the West Indies.
Hope c Khawaja b Cummins 68 (105)
After 34 overs, West Indies 188/4 – Hope 67, Holder 22
Jason Holder gets a move on! Maxwell gets hit for a couple of boundaries. A late cut through third man and then a superb punch through cover. The required run-rate is just above six and that is not an issue at all with Russell still to come.
10 runs off Maxwell’s over. Things getting desperate for Australia.
After 33 overs, West Indies 178/4 – Hope 66, Holder 13
Windies are getting the occasional boundaries, this time Hope benefits by a misfield at fine leg. Five runs off Cummins’ over.
After 32 overs, West Indies 173/4 – Hope 63, Holder 12
Good over for West Indies. They pick up six runs without taking any risks. The two-time champions don’t need to do anything silly here. They have Andre Russell to come and the required rate isn’t much. Time for a drinks break.
After 31 overs, West Indies 167/4 – Hope 56, Holder 12
Shot! Pat Cummins pitches it slightly short and Jason Holder plays a wonderful short-arm pull for four. The ball landed inches inside despite hardly any effort used by the Windies captain. Seven runs come from that over.
After 30 overs, West Indies 160/4 – Hope 54, Holder 7
Jason Holder survives! He attempts a sweep-shot and is struck on the front pad, the umpire raises his finger but DRS shows that the ball had pitched outside leg. A maiden over nonetheless from Glenn Maxwell. West Indies need 129 off 120.
After 29 overs, West Indies 160/4 – Hope 54, Holder 7
Good over for West Indies, nine runs come from it. Jason Holder is looking comfortable at the crease immediately. Australia are operating with spinners from both ends.
After 28 overs, West Indies 151/4 – Hope 51, Holder 1
West Indies captain Jason Holder is the new man at the crease. A bit of a surprise to hold Andre Russell back. West Indies need another partnership here. The Aussies can surely sense the kill.
After 27.2 overs, West Indies 149/4 – Hope 50
WICKET! Oh no, disaster for West Indies. Hope hits it to mid-off and Hetmyer sets off for a single, but there wasn’t a run and Cummins gets the ball back to Maxwell in a flash. Massive moment in the match.
Hetmyer run-out Cummins-Maxwell 21 (28)
After 27 overs, West Indies 149/3 – Hope 50, Hetmyer 21
FIFTY for Hope! He gets there in 76 balls. Classy batting from the right-hander. He smacks Coulter-Nile for two boundaries in that over. First a clip off the hips and then a brilliant on-the-rise cover-drive. West Indies are well on course!
After 26 overs, West Indies 138/3 – Hope 39, Hetmyer 21
Hetmyer spoils a good over by Zampa. He gets on one knee and sweeps the last ball away for four. The leg-spinner has figures of 1/27 from 6 overs at the moment. He has gone for 15 runs in his last two overs.
After 25 overs, West Indies 133/3 – Hope 38, Hetmyer 17
Four! We’re starting to see the best of Hetmyer. Coulter-Nile bangs it in and the left-hander pulls it hard for a four to the short boundary. This partnership (34 runs) is starting to look good for the Windies.
After 24 overs, West Indies 126/3 – Hope 36, Hetmyer 12
Four! Shai Hope finally moves on from 27 with an easy pull to an Adam Zampa full-toss. He gets another boundary with a fierce pull. First poor over from the Australian leg-spinner.
After 23 overs, West Indies 116/3 – Hope 27, Hetmyer 11
Shot! Mitchell Starc decides to drop it short and Shimron Hetmyer pulls it with authority between mid-wicket and mid-on for a boundary. Five runs come from that over. Shai Hope, meanwhile, hasn’t scored a single run in the last three overs.
After 22 overs, West Indies 111/3 – Hope 27, Hetmyer 6
Adam Zampa is in the middle of a wonderful spell. The leg-spinner has figures of 1/12 from 4 overs at the moment. He isn’t getting much turn but is varying his line and length well.
After 21 overs, West Indies 108/3 – Hope 27, Hetmyer 3
Mitchell Starc returns to the attack and gives away six runs from his fifth over. Four leg-byes and a wide in that over. The left-arm pacer has struggled a bit to keep his line today.
After 20 overs, West Indies 102/3 – Hope 27, Hetmyer 2
A fine over from Adam Zampa, a wicket and just three singles from it. West Indies were looking good with Nicholas Pooran at the crease, but the Australians are on top again. Shimron Hetmyer is the new man at the crease for the Windies.
After 19.1 overs, West Indies 99/3 – Hope 26
WICKET! Adam Zampa gets the breakthrough for Australia! The leg-spinner tosses it up, Nicholas Pooran goes for an expansive drive and Aaron Finch does brilliantly to catch the edge at backward point with one hand.
Pooran c Finch b Zampa 40 (36)
After 19 overs, West Indies 99/2 – Hope 26, Pooran 40
Another boundary for Shai Hope! Marcus Stoinis concedes just two single from the first five balls but is pulled away for a four off the last.
After 18 overs, West Indies 93/2 – Hope 21, Pooran 39
Shot! West Indies get a boundary after 52 deliveries. Adam Zampa bowls four dot balls but drops the fifth one short, Shai Hope rocks back in a flash and cuts it past covers for four. The right-hander picks a single off the last ball to keep strike.
After 17 overs, West Indies 88/2 – Hope 16, Pooran 39
SIX! Marcus Stoinis joins the attack and Nicholas Pooran hooks his second ball for a maximum. Much-needed push for the West Indies. Eight runs come from that over.
After 16 overs, West Indies 80/2 – Hope 15, Pooran 32
Adam Zampa comes on to have a bowl and almost strikes off his third delivery. Nicholas Pooran hits it straight back, the ball takes a big deflection off Zampa’s hand, goes on to hit the stumps, and Shai Hope just about gets back inside. That is without a doubt the most unfortunate way a batsman can get out. Just the two singles come from that over.
After 15 overs, West Indies 78/2 – Hope 15, Pooran 31
Just three singles again, this time from Coulter-Nile’s fourth over. West Indies have a decent run-rate at the moment, that won’t be a worry. Australia will be hoping to break this partnership soon. Time for a drinks break.
After 14 overs, West Indies 75/2 – Hope 13, Pooran 30
After conceding ten runs in his first over, Glenn Maxwell slips in a tidy one with just three singles. There isn’t much turn for the off-spinner but he does well to keep a tight line.
After 13 overs, West Indies 72/2 – Hope 11, Pooran 29
Coulter-Nile continues the short-ball barrage that the Australian pacers have opted for so far. Hope swings his bat at a couple but can’t connect. Four runs come from that over.
After 12 overs, West Indies 68/2 – Hope 9, Pooran 27
Shot! Glenn Maxwell joins the attack and is cut for four by Nicholas Pooran. Good effort from Adam Zampa at the boundary but he couldn’t manage to keep it in. Expensive over for the Australians, 10 runs come from it.
After 11 overs, West Indies 58/2 – Hope 7, Pooran 19
Three wides in that over by Pat Cummins. The right-arm pacer has figures of 1/19 from 5 overs at the moment. Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran are not taking risks at the moment.
After 10 overs, West Indies 54/2 – end of an eventful powerplay.
Perhaps some tine to breathe. A third maiden over for Cummins followed by a tidy over by NCN.
8.06 pm: WOW. Commentators have spotted a major gaffe. The ball before Gayle got out, Starc had bowled a MASSIVE no ball that was not spotted. Gayle should have had a free hit but was instead out LBW. Poor, poor umpiring.
After 8 overs, West Indies 50/2 – Hope 3, Pooran 18
Nicholas Pooran is launching a counterattack for the West Indies: 4, 2, 4, 0, 0, 0, 4, 4 is his scoring sequence in the last two overs! Two more boundaries from NCN’s first over.
After 7 overs, West Indies 41/2 – Hope 2, Pooran 10
Boundaries for Pooran! Starc continues to fire it full and fast but Pooran manages to hit a boundary on either side of the wicket. Good stuff from the youngster.
After 6 overs, West Indies 31/2 – Hope 2, Pooran 1
It’s Pat Cummins’ 2nd maiden over! Two out of three overs he has bowled have been maidens. Testing Hope with the short stuff. Brilliant contest.
7.50 pm: As Chris Gayle walks back shaking his head, some umpire humour on Twitter:
After 4.5 overs, West Indies 31/2 – Hope 2
WICKET! Chris Gayle’s entertaining little cameo is brought to an end by a sizzling delivery from Mitchell Starc. It was fast and full and the left-hander played all around it. He took DRS but that didn’t save him. West Indies manage to retain their review, but the Aussies are well on top.
Gayle lbw Starc 21 (17)
After 4 overs, West Indies 27/1 – Gayle 19, Hope 1
Chris Gayle brings up 1,000 runs in World Cup matches! The veteran decides to cut loose by smacking Pat Cummins for consecutive boundaries. First, a drive over mid-off, and then a pull over square-leg. He survives off the next ball after his slog lands just behind mid-on. He ends the over with a third boundary, on the leg side again. It’s all happening at Trent Bridge!
After 3 overs, West Indies 12/1 – Gayle 5, Hope 0
Gayle survives! Thrice! Starc bowls a snorter, gets the left-hander’s edge but the ball flies over wicketkeeper Carey. Then, the ball clips the off-stump at 91 mph but the bails DO NOT MOVE. Would you believe it?! Something needs to be done about these ridiculous bails. This is happening way too often. Finally, Starc wraps Gayle’s pads on the full and the umpire raises his finger. But the opener opts for DRS and the replay shows the ball was going down leg. Phew! What an over!
After 2 overs, West Indies 7/1 – Gayle 1, Hope 0
Wicket-maiden! Brilliant start from Pat Cummins. Shai Hope is the new man at the crease for the West Indies. He’s an important batsman for his team. Needs to settle in and play a long innings.
After 1.4 overs, West Indies 7/1 – Gayle 1
WICKET! Australia have the early breakthrough! Pat Cummins comes from over the wicket and angles it away from the left-handed Evin Lewis. The West Indian opener pokes at it and Steve Smith gets a simple catch at second slip. Just the start the Aussies were looking for.
Lewis c Smith b Cummins 1 (5)
After 1 over, West Indies 7/0 – Gayle 1, Lewis 1
Five wides! Would you believe it, Australia are off to the exact same start with the ball as West Indies. Mitchell Starc gets a bit of shape in his first over but doesn’t do any damage. Pat Cummins to open proceedings from the other end.
7:16 pm: We’re ready for the chase at Trent Bridge. Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis are opening the batting for the West Indies, with the former taking strike first. Mitchell Starc has the new ball in hand for Australia. Here we go!
6:53 pm: Nathan Coulter-Nile – “It was good fun out there. It is that sort of a wicket. You have to take your time to get used to it. I think you are never in with that short ball. Hope we have enough runs on the board. We have given ourselves a chance. Awesome innings by Steve Smith.”
6:50 pm: This has been an unbelievable recovery from Australia. They went from 38/4 in the eighth over to 288 all out in 49 overs. Steve Smith and Nathan Coulter-Nile were splendid in their rescue act. The defending champions are surely the favourites now.
6:48 pm: Carlos Brathwaite gets his second wicket of the over as Mitchell Starc hits it to Jason Holder at long-off. The right-arm medium-pacer finishes with figures of 3/67 from his 10 overs.
AUSTRALIA ARE ALL OUT FOR 288 IN 49 OVERS
After 48.2 overs, Australia 284/9 – Starc 4
WICKET! Oh no, Nathan Coulter-Nile is gone! He misses out on his first ODI hundred by eight runs by hitting it straight to Jason Holder at long-off. But what an absolutely sensational innings this was. He has put the Aussies right on top here.
Coulter-Nile c Holder b Brathwaite 92 (60)
After 48 overs, Australia 282/8 – Coulter-Nile 90, Starc 4
A superb over from Oshane Thomas, just five runs come from it. He manages to allow just a single to Nathan Coulter-Nile in three balls. The right-arm pacer finishes with figures of 2/63 from 10 overs.
After 47 overs, Australia 277/8 – Coulter-Nile 89, Starc 0
Back-to-back boundaries! Nathan Coulter-Nile is playing a historic knock here. He could become the first No 7 or below batsmen to score a hundred in World Cup history. Nine runs come from Carlos Brathwaite’s ninth over.
After 46.1 overs, Australia 252/8 – Coulter-Nile 80
WICKET! Pat Cummins mis-times it and Sheldon Cottrell takes a comfortable catch this time. Carlos Brathwaite gets his first wicket. Mitchell Starc is the new man at the crease.
Cummins c Cottrell b Brathwaite 2 (6)
After 46 overs, Australia 268/7 – Coulter-Nile 80, Cummins 2
BACK-TO-BACK SIXES! Nathan Coulter-Nile is turning it one and how! Shedlon Cottrell gets taken to the cleaners after that stunning catch in the previous over. Australia have added 54 runs in the last five overs.
After 45 overs, Australia 252/7 – Coulter-Nile 66, Cummins 0
WICKET! WHAT A CATCH! WOW! Sheldon Cottrell, take a bow! Oh. My. God! That has to be right up there with Ben Stokes’ effort earlier for catch of the tournament. Steve Smith flicks it and Cottrell catches it with one hand at fine-leg, he then tosses it in the air, goes over the rope, comes back in, and catches it again. Wow!
A brilliant knock from Smith comes to an end. This might prove to be a match-winning effort from the right-hander.
Smith c Cottrell b Thomas 73 (103)
After 44 overs, Australia 245/6 – Smith 9, Coulter-Nile 65
DROPPED! Coulter-Nile pulls a short one from Nurse with full power, the ball goes straight to Hetmyer at deep square-leg but he can’t hold on to it. That could prove to be costly for the Windies. 12 runs come from that over.
After 43 overs, Australia 233/6 – Smith 67 Coulter-Nile 57
FIFTY for Nathan Coulter-Nile! He gets there in 41 balls. This has been an invaluable knock from the right-hander. He whacks the next ball, a low full-toss from Brathwaite, for a huge six over long-on. The Aussies are in complete control at the moment. 15 runs come from that over.
After 42 overs, Australia 218/6 – Smith 62, Coulter-Nile 48
Coulter-Nile survives a run–out after a bit of hesitation to take the single. Just the four singles from that Nurse over.
After 41 overs, Australia 214/6 – Smith 60 Coulter-Nile 46
A fifth boundary for Coulter-Nile. This time with a chip over mid-wicket. The runs keep flowing for the Aussies. Eight runs come from Brathwaite’s seventh over.
After 40 overs, Australia 206/6 – Smith 56, Coulter-Nile 38
Ashley Nurse returns to the attack and slips in a quick over. Just four singles from it. Final ten overs coming up. Australia could even get to 260-270 at this rate. Steve Smith and Nathan Coulter-Nile have added 59 off 60 for the seventh wicket.
After 39 overs, Australia 202/6 – Smith 56, Coulter-Nile 38
SIX! What. A. Shot. Nathan Coulter-Nile plays arguably the shot of the match. It was full and on his pads and the right-hander flicked it all the way with disdain. With that, the fifty-run partnership comes up. What a stand this is for the Aussies. They’re showing why they’re five-time champions. Meanwhile, Andre Russell hold his right leg and looks to be in serious pain. Well, he’s walking off the field.
After 38 overs, Australia 195/6 – Smith 56, Coulter-Nile 31
The Australian innings keeps marching along! Six runs come with ease from Shledon Cottrell’s eighth over. This innings by Nathan Coulter-Nile is looking more impressive with each passing over.
After 37 overs, Australia 189/6 – Smith 53, Coulter-Nile 29
Another good over for Australia, eight runs come from it. Andre Russell bangs it short and Nathan Coulter-Nile pulls it away to pick up his fourth boundary. The Aussies are looking good to get past 250 at the moment.
After 36 overs, Australia 181/6 – Smith 52, Coulter-Nile 22
FIFTY for Steve Smith! He gets there in 77 balls. An outside edge and a mis-field at third-man helps him to get to his first ODI half-century since September 2017. This has been a top-class knock from the right-hander. He is anchoring his team towards a competitive total after the collapse at the top.
After 35 overs, Australia 175/6 – Smith 47, Coulter-Nile 21
Another boundary for Coulter-Nile! Russell bangs it in and the right-hander hooks it away to the fence. He could play an important cameo for the Aussies here. A single, a double, a four and two wides from that over.
After 34 overs, Australia 166/6 – Smith 47, Coulter-Nile 14
Good over for Australia, 13 runs come from it. Nathan Coulter-Nile picks up two boundaries – first with a punch down the ground and then a pull that just goes wide of deep square-leg. Oshane Thomas has figures of 1/51 from 8 overs at the moment.
After 33 overs, Australia 153/6 – Smith 46, Coulter-Nile 3
Andre Russell bowls five good deliveries but Steve Smith punches the last one past covers to pick up three runs. The West Indian all-rounder has figures of 2/17 from 5 overs at the moment. Top effort from the injury-prone 31-year-old.
After 32 overs, Australia 149/6 – Smith 43, Coulter-Nile 2
Oshane Thomas backs up the good work done by Andre Russell in the last over by conceding just a single in his seventh over. The last ball shoots up and catches Steve Smith on his right index finger. That looked painful. West Indies have their tails up once again.
After 31 overs, Australia 148/6 – Smith 43, Coulter-Nile 1
Nathan Coulter-Nile has joined Steve Smith at the crease for Australia. The defending champions need another big partnership here. Superb over from Andre Russell, a wicket and just two runs from it.
After 30.4 overs, Australia 147/6 – Smith 43
WICKET! West Indies have the breakthrough! And it’s that man Andre Russell again. What an asset he is to the Windies team. Alex Carey pokes at a delivery that was angled away from him, ‘keeper Hope gets a simple catch. Australia added 68 runs for the sixth wicket.
Carey c Hope b Russell 45 (55)
After 30 overs, Australia 146/5 – Smith 42, Carey 45
Ashley Nurse gets lucky as both Steve Smith and David Warner miss out on rank short balls from the off-spinner. Three singles come from that over. Time for a drinks break. After suffering a top-order collapse, Australia are slowly getting towards a competitive total. This partnership remains crucial, though.
After 29 overs, Australia 143/5 – Smith 40, Carey 44
Steve Smith and Alex Carey are picking up singles and doubles at will now. The West Indians need to break this partnership. Six runs come from Carlos Brathwaite’s sixth over.
After 28 overs, Australia 137/5 – Smith 39, Carey 39
Steve Smith survives! West Indies introduce spin with Ashley Nurse and the off-spinner bowls a good ball first up. It draws the right-hander into a drive but dips and turns to take the inside edge. The ball flies inches past the stumps. Alex Carey then hits a reverse-sweep for four. The left-hander is looking mighty impressive. Eight runs come Nurse’s first over.
After 27 overs, Australia 129/5 – Smith 37, Carey 33
Shot! Holder pitches it slightly full and wide, Carey takes his front foot forward and hits a wonderful on-the-rise cover-drive for four. Another good over for Australia, seven runs come from it.
After 26 overs, Australia 122/5 – Smith 36, Carey 27
Respite for West Indies as Sheldon Cottrell concedes just three singles in his sixth over. Steve Smith and Alex Carey have added 43 runs for the sixth wicket. It’s looking much better for the Australians all of a sudden. But they still have a long way to go. Need to get somewhere around 230.
After 25 overs, Australia 119/5 – Smith 34, Carey 26
Catch missed! Steve Smith mis-times a hook off Jason Holder’s bowling but Sheldon Cottrell slips while running in for the catch at fine-leg. Nine runs come from the West Indies captain’s sixth over. This has been a superb little passage of play for the Australians. They have got 33 runs in the last three overs without the loss of a wicket.
After 24 overs, Australia 110/5 – Smith 26, Carey 25
Three more boundaries for Alex Carey! Top batting from the left-hander. He cuts Sheldon Cottrell twice over point for four, before tapping it and picking up a quick single. He then gets back on strike and plays a thumping cover-drive for four. The hundred comes up for Australia in the 24th over. 14 runs come from Cottrell’s fifth over. Australia have picked up 24 runs in the last two overs.
After 23 overs, Australia 96/5 – Smith 25, Carey 12
Two boundaries for Alex Carey! First, a cheeky ramp-shot over the slip cordon, and then a straight-drive that just beats mid-off. The left-hander needed this push. Ten runs come from Oshane Thomas’ sixth over.
After 22 overs, Australia 86/5 – Smith 24, Carey 3
Jason Holder bowls his second maiden over. The West Indies captain has found good rhythm at the moment. Alex Carey looked keen to get off the strike in that over but was given no width whatsoever. Australia are having to fight for each run.
After 21 overs, Australia 86/5 – Smith 24, Carey 3
Oshane Thomas comes back for another spell and induces a false shot off Carey in the last ball. A loose drive outside off and the outside edge loops over the point fielder. A surprise yorker at Smith was dug out very well by the Aussie star.
After 20 overs, Australia 83/5 – Smith 23, Carey 0
In the last 7 overs, Australia have scored 15 runs for the loss of one wicket! Another good over from Holder, just the one run out of it. Smith does well to evade a bouncer that did not bounce as much.
After 19 overs, Australia 82/5 – Smith 23, Carey 0
West Indies captain Jason Holder goes on the offensive and brings Oshane Thomas back into the attack. The right-arm pacer bowls six dot balls and two wides in his fourth over. The Australian batsmen are taking no risks at the moment.
After 18 overs, Australia 80/5 – Smith 23, Carey 0
Alex Carey survives and West Indies lose their review. Carlos Brathwaite comes from around the wicket and strikes the left-hander on the front pad. The umpire says not out but the Windies opt for DRS. The replay shows that the ball was going well over. Just a single comes from the right-arm medium-pacer’s fifth over.
After 17 overs, Australia 79/5 – Smith 22, Carey 0
Wicket-maiden! A stunning over from Jason Holder. The West Indies captain does exactly what his team needed him to do. Australia have Alex Carey at the crease with Steve Smith. The defending champions have to rebuild again.
After 16.1 overs, Australia 79/5 – Smith 22
WICKET! The partnership is broken! Jason Holder bowls a harmless short-ish ball and Marcus Stoinis pulls it straight to Nicholas Pooran at mid-wicket. Major setback for Australia as this partnership was starting to look good.
Stoinis c Pooran b Holder 19 (23)
After 16 overs, Australia 79/4 – Smith 22, Stoinis 19
Splendid shot from Steve Smith! Carlos Brathwaite bowls five dot balls but pitches it slightly short and wide to end the over. Smith plays a classy back-foot punch for four.
After 15 overs, Australia 75/4 – Smith 18, Stoinis 19
Better over from Jason Holder. He’s hovering between the 85 to 90 mph mark. Australia are in no hurry at the moment. A few singles in an over is all they’re looking for. West Indies need to be patient as well.
After 14 overs, Australia 72/4 – Smith 16, Stoinis 18
Decent over from Carlos Brathwaite. Just a wide and three singles from it. West Indies might consider bringing Oshane Thomas back into the attack for a short burst. Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis aren’t looking too uncomfortable at the moment.
After 13 overs, Australia 68/4 – Smith 14, Stoinis 17
Back-to-back boundaries from Stoinis! He hits a wonderful straight-drive past mid-off for four, and follows that up with the shot of the match – a picture-perfect straight-drive past mid-on. Superb balance in that shot from the tall right-hander. West Indies captain Jason Holder is off to a poor start with the ball.
After 12 overs, Australia 60/4 – Smith 14, Stoinis 9
Shot! Brathwaite drops it slightly short and Smith plays a classy punch off the back-foot for four. The right-hander is looking increasingly comfortable out in the middle with each passing over. West Indies would want to see the back of him soon.
After 11 overs, Australia 54/4 – Smith 9, Stoinis 8
Another full-toss, another straight-drive for four. This time Steve Smith gets the runs against Andre Russell. The right-arm fast-bowler is sticking to the short-ball plan and generating some serious pace. Both the Australian batsmen are being extremely cautious.
After 10 overs, Australia 48/4 – Smith 4, Stoinis 8
Much-needed couple of boundaries for Australia. Carlos Brathwaite joins the attack and bowls a low full-toss to Marcus Stoinis. The right-hander remains still and drives it straight back for four. He then pulls it in the air with control to pick up his second boundary of the over.
After 9 overs, Australia 60/4 – Smith 4, Stoinis 0
Another good over from Andre Russell. He’s working up some good pace. Australia need a big partnership here. Not a lot of batting to follow. Steve Smith holds the key.
After 8 overs, Australia 38/4 - MAXWELL GONE!
THIS IS INCREDIBLE! “The Big Show is a no-show,” says Michael Slater on air. At least some Australian is having a good day at Trent Bridge. Glenn Maxwell is gone off the second ball he faces. Sheldon Cottrell does that salute again! West Indies are turning it on!
After 7 overs, Australia 36/3 - KHAWAJA GONE!
Well we did ask Khawaja to watch out! Beautiful set-up with the bouncers and then a full, angled ball. West Indies are on fire! Andre Russell bowls a couple of fiery bouncers. Khawaja then gives himself room and then goes for a big shot over cover, throws his bat at it and gets a thick edge, before Shai Hope takes a sensational catch. SUPERB!
After 6 overs, Australia 33/2 (Khawaja 11, Smith 2)
Some much needed calm for Australia. Just one run from Cottrell.
Watch out Khawaja, time for Andre Russell.
After 5 overs, Australia 32/2 (Khawaja 11, Smith 1)
More bouncers! Thomas is breathing fire at Khawaja, who gets hit on the body once and then pulls one past leg slip for four.
Steve Smith has joined Usman Khawaja at the crease for Australia. The West Indies pacer have their tails up at the moment. The defending champions need a partnership.
After 4 overs, Australia 26/2 - WARNER GONE!
WOW. Just wow. Cottrell gets rid of Warner! Huuuge wicket for the Windies! The left-arm pacer bowls a sharp bouncer before pitching it fuller, Warner pokes it straight to point. And out comes the salute!
After 3 overs, Australia 22/1 - Another eventful over from Oshane Thomas!
When Oshane Thomas is bowling, there is ONLY drama.
A peach to remove to Finch. Khawaja plays a delightful drive for FOUR. And then gets hit on the head with a fantastic bouncer! Khawaja was already hit on the head by Windies during their unofficial warm-up. He can expect more.
After 2.2 overs, Australia 1/15 - FINCH GONE!
WICKET! An absolute peach of a delivery from Oshane Thomas and Aaron Finch edges it to the ‘keeper. Australia have lost their captain. West Indies on top.
After 2 overs, Australia 15/0 (Finch 6, Warner 2)
A steady over from Cottrell to follow up the mayhem of the first over from Oshane Thomas.
After 1 over, Australia 10/0 (Finch 2, Warner 2)
What an eventful over. A wide for four, a no-ball, a peach to beat Finch!
3.00 pm: David Warner and Aaron Finch opening...
2.57 pm: Will we see a Warner special today?
Langer welcomed David Warner’s innings of 89 not out in Australia’s win against Afghanistan, his first official international match since completing a one-year ban for ball tampering.
“You can see the look in his eyes,” he said. “A lot of people are talking. Looks determined. For him to battle through 90 or 80, whatever it was, and to still be there at the end and get the job done for the team, that’s a great sign for us.”
2.55 pm: Time for the national anthems...
2.52 pm: In their first match of the World Cup Men in Maroon made “short” work of a brittle Pakistan psyche. Read more here.
2.48 pm: West Indies, who won the first two World Cups, in 1975 and 1979, were the dominant force in the world game for two decades and boasted a succession of world-class fast bowlers and thrilling batsmen. Justin Langer has hailed the West Indies’ “Calypso cricket”, admitting they were his heroes when he was growing up as he prepares Australia to face their current battery of fast bowlers. The two teams have won seven out of the 11 World Cups so far between them.
“When I was a kid it was Calypso cricket, and I think we’re seeing plenty of signs of Calypso cricket,” Langer said.
“Running and bowling fast. They’re not necessarily going to be bowling the same spot every ball, but going to be exciting to watch. They all try to hit sixes most balls...
“Always exciting playing the West Indies. When I was growing up they were my heroes.”
2.43 pm: Warner and Finch will get first use of this (used) pitch today. A lot will depend on how they go.
2.41 pm:
Australia playing XI: (Unchanged) Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
West Indies XI: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (c), Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas
2.36 pm: Aaron Finch says Australia wanted to bat first anyway. One change for WI with Darren Bravo making way for Evin Lewis, who is fit again. More firepower to that West Indies lineup. Australia unchanged from their win against Afghanistan.
2.32 pm: TOSS NEWS
Jason Holder wins the toss and WI will field first.
2.30 pm: Good news for Windies and fans...
“The beauty with both of those guys [Gayle and Russell] is they’ve played enough cricket. We just tend to trust them, take their word and then make a final determination on the team then,” said the captain.
“Chris was at practice for the last couple days, so he is all well and ready to go for me. Andre will be assessed in training, and we’re very, very hopeful that he’ll be fit.”
Trent Bridge will play host as Holder’s side and Australia renew a battle that goes right to the start of World Cup history with this game a repeat of the first final in 1975.
2.28 pm: “Even if its a used pitch, this is a belter. The ball will come on nicely to the bat. Good luck to the bowlers” An ominous pitch report from Michael Holding for the bowlers of both Australia and WI.
2.22 pm: Some reading on a thrilling game last night...
Kohli’s comments that “250 can be defended” were met with some derision on social media. But we have not had to wait till the later half of the tournament to see what pressure can do in a run-chase at the World Cup stage: Bangladesh almost lived up to the words of the Indian captain by coming close to defending 244 against New Zealand on Wednesday. Incidentally, on the same day, India were made to work for their win as well earlier by South Africa after posting 227/9. Who would have thought we will see a day in which none of the four innings at this World Cup would see scores of 250-plus.
READ MORE HERE.
2.18 pm: Before we go into today’s match... some major news coming in from the South Africa camp. Just more woes being added to what is turning into a sorry campaign.
South African great AB de Villiers had offered to come out of retirement in order to play in the ongoing World Cup, a request that was quickly rebuffed by the South African team management, according to an ESPNCricInfo report.
The offer to rejoin the South African team was made just 24 hours before the team for the World Cup was set to be announced. The former captain had communicated his desire to return to South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis, head coach Ottis Gibson and convenor of selectors Linda Zondi.
2.15 pm: Hello all and welcome to The Field’s live blog of what promises to be a fascinating encounter between two of the greatest countries in World Cup history: Five-time champions Australia vs two-time champions West Indies.
Sure, the modern day pedigree of these two teams are vastly different in ODIs but, given the more recent form of the two sides (with Australia not feeling invincible as they once did and West Indies playing some fantastic cricket with close to their full strength squad). this promises to be a cracker.
West Indies captain Jason Holder urged his side to be “as positive as we possibly can be” against Australia as he prepares for a potential World Cup classic.
Trent Bridge will play host to the match on Thursday as Holder’s side and a hungry-looking Australia renew a rivalry dating back to the start of the event in 1975.
West Indies came out on top against Australia in the first World Cup final in that year and won the next tournament, also in England, four years later. But since then Australia have won five titles to emerge as the undisputed kings of World Cup cricket.
Holder said he was ignoring the past to focus on maintaining the form that brought victory over Pakistan last Friday, with a tough test in store against an Australia side also on a high from victory over Afghanistan.
t’s always been a great rivalry between West Indies and Australia. I think everybody is expecting a really good contest,” he said at Trent Bridge on Wednesday. “We’re up for the challenge. I think they’re up for the challenge as well. I wouldn’t really get too deep into rivalries.”