The final of the tri-series in the Caribbean will pitch the world champions in both the 50 over format and the 20 over format against each other as Australia take on the West Indies in Barbados. This has been an entertaining competition so far with both sides looking very good and we’re all set up for an exciting final.
West Indies
It might be to the benefit of Jason Holder’s men that they have already played what was effectively a semi-final to make it into this match. Their game against South Africa on Friday was a knockout match and they rose to the occasion nicely despite looking in all sorts of trouble early with the bat once again.
That has really been the only concern for the home side going into the final. Their top two haven’t scored many runs but were they to get going here then the West Indies would be set up for a big score which their bowling attack is more than capable of defending. All eyes will be on Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher.
Australia
Due to the selection rotation that Australia have employed in this tournament we haven’t really seen too much consistency from any of their players but there is one thing we know about any Australia side and that is they rise to the occasion in the big matches and stand up and be counted.
Going into the Barbados leg of the series there were question marks over their middle order but those questions were answered emphatically in the win over South Africa earlier in the week which booked their place in this final. If any of their top order get going they will get able support from the middle order now it would appear.
Team News
Shannon Gabriel picked up an injury at the end of a fiery spell against South Africa last time out and the West Indies will hope he is fit to play. Ashley Nurse is the only bowling option left in the squad if Gabriel isn’t fit.
Steve Smith has more than hinted that Adam Zampa is likely to play in this final. Mitchell Starc has generally played one and missed one but that run is set to end here. Scott Boland is most likely to make way for Zampa to come into the side.
Kensington Oval
This Kensington Oval wicket has been really good so far in the series. There has been pace, bounce and plenty of carry and a decent outfield has made the boundaries accessible and as such we’ve seen some really good scoring in the matches played here.
Towards the end of the last game here we saw some pretty exaggerated spin and that is becoming more and more in focus so there literally should be something for absolutely everyone going into this final match.
Betting
I’ve a feeling the West Indies might win this match but I would want to know for absolute certain that Shannon Gabriel is playing before I part with my hard earned so instead of getting involved in the match betting I will take one which has been good to us throughout the series.
That is for the West Indies to hit the most sixes. They have done that in all three matches in this series against Australia and in Barbados they have put up sixes totals of six and nine despite being 31-3 and 21-4 at one point in those matches. That shows the potential they have for six hitting but they haven’t conceded many here either.
South Africa never managed a single six against them and the only two Australia hit were when the match was won and they had some fun. In total here in Barbados, West Indies have won 6-2 and 9-0 in sixes and against Australia through the series they have won 2-1, 10-7 and 6-2 which makes the 5/6 on them hitting the most again here look quite attractive.
I wasn’t too surprised that Mitchell Marsh top scored for Australia in the previous match because this is the sort of track he likes with plenty of pace and bounce much like his home ground at Perth. He can trust the bounce and play aggressively without too much fear and when he can do that he often scores both quickly and heavily.
He is 10/1 to top score in this innings which looks big given how well West Indies are bowling with the new ball at the minute and that is worthy of a small investment to see if he can repeat his heroics of Tuesday night.
Tips
Back West Indies Most 6s for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Paddy Power
Back it here:
Back M.Marsh Top Australia Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 11.00 with Boylesports
Back him here:
