After an exhilarating conclusion to the gripping two-match Test series between Australia and West Indies, both cricketing giants are set to unleash their skills in the realm of white-ball cricket. The Australian and Caribbean squads are geared up for an intense showdown in the opening game of the three-match ODI series that will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday (February 2).
In the captain’s seat for the home team is the stylish and prolific batter, Steve Smith, while Shai Hope continues to lead the charge for the Caribbean side. Australia, as the reigning ODI World Cup champions, are determined to uphold their dominance in the one-day format. Meanwhile, West Indies aims to ride the wave of momentum gained from the Test series, intending to make a bold statement to the cricketing world.
ODI Stats and Records at the MCG:
Total matches: 158
Matches won batting first: 78
Matches won bowling first: 75
Average first innings scores: 222
Average second innings scores: 194
Highest total recorded: 355/5 (48 Ov) by Australia vs England
Lowest total recorded: 94/10 (31.7 Ov) by England vs Australia
Highest score chased: 308/5 (48.5 Ov) by England vs Australia
Lowest score defended: 169/6 (57 Ov) by Australia Women vs England Women
Also READ: Australia’s best playing XI for the ODI series against West Indies
MCG Pitch Report
The track at the MCG is renowned as one of the most competitive surfaces on the global cricket stage. Recognized for its equilibrium between bat and ball, this pitch provides a challenging yet fair playing field for both bowlers and batters.
The venue has so far hosted more than 150 ODIs, and fast bowlers usually dominate at the early stages of the game. Nevertheless, the batters can also play smooth strokes if they spend some time in the middle. Overall, a high-scoring first game between Australia and West Indies is expected to take place at this iconic ground.
Melbourne Weather Forecast
Steve Smith and Shai Hope (Image Source: Twitter)
While the weather forecast points towards cloudy conditions, there is a reassuring expectation that the highly-promising match will unfold seamlessly, guaranteeing an uninterrupted and thoroughly captivating sporting spectacle. The temperature is anticipated to hover around 20 degrees Celsius, complemented by a gentle breeze at 24 km/hr. Moreover, the atmospheric humidity is predicted to be at a moderate level of 55%.
AUS vs WI, Probable Playing XIs:
Australia: Travis Head, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Sean Abott, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Lance Morris, Adam Zampa
West Indies: Shai Hope (wk/c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh, Matthew Forde, Oshane Thomas, Gudakesh Motie
Also READ: Fans gaga over Ellyse Perry’s glamorous look at the Australian Cricket Awards 2024
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