West Indies vs Australia, WI vs AUS, Today Match Prediction 17 July 2021

wi vs aus Match Prediction & Analysis

It was a strong return to form for the Australians as they won their first game of the series defeating West Indies by 4 runs in what was the most exciting game so far. The Australians held on to their nerves in the final moments of the game to defend 10 runs in the last over. It was the first win for Australia in this format in five games and they would be relieved for now. 

West Indies would not be upset with their performance in the last game as they came within striking distance of chasing down the big score. Australia still has few worries as far as their batting is concerned in the lower middle order. While they have lost the series already 1-3, the visitors would want to finish it with a respectable 2-3 after losses in the first three games. The stage is now set for a good contest, and it would be interesting to see which of the sides walks away with a win in this game.

TEAMS PREVIEW

West Indies Preview

Nicholas Pooran’s side suffered the first loss of the series. However, the skipper would be proud of the way his side played in the game and gave scare to the Australians. The side has done well both with the bat and the ball and Pooran would be looking to win this game and make it 4-1. He would want to carry the momentum into the ODI series. 

The side has an in-form opening pair in Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis and they would look to provide the side with an electrifying start here. Chris Gayle would be expected to work his magic and the middle order has good hitters in Andre Fletcher and Pooran. Down the order Andre Russell and Fabian Allen shall aim to start from where they had left in the last game. 

Their bowlers were expensive in the last game and the side would need good show with the new ball from Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell. Hayden Walsh has been in great form in the last four games, and he would look to trouble the Aussies in this game and win it for the side. Akeal Hosein and Fabian Allen must bowl tight lines in the middle overs which they failed to do in the last game.

West Indies Predicted Playing XI:

Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Chris Gayle, Andre Fletcher, Andre Russell, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein, Hayden Walsh, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas

West Indies Actual Playing XI:

Nicholas Pooran, Fabian Allen, ADS Fletcher, Hayden Walsh, Sheldon Cottrell, Darren Bravo, LMP Simmons, Evin Lewis, Oshane Thomas, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell

Australia Preview

Aaron Finch would be relieved after the nail-biting finish in the last game where his side finally had something to cheer about. It was a good show from the bowlers against the powerful batting line-up. However, most of their batsmen in the lower middle order have been in poor form and they must regroup to end this otherwise poor series on a high. 

Matthew Wade did well in the last game, and he would look to set a strong platform opening the batting alongside Aaron Finch. Mitchell Marsh has been the pick of the players for the side and needs to deliver here. Alex Carey, Moises Henriques and Ashton Turner have to make contributions in this game as the lower middle order has let the side down so far in this series. 

Mitchell Starc bowled an excellent last over to win it in the last game and needs to play a vital role here sharing the new ball with Riley Meredith who was expensive in the last game. Daniel Christian and Jason Behrendorff. Adam Zampa has used the conditions well and he would have to keep the scoring rate under check in this game.

Australia Predicted Playing XI:

Aaron Finch (c), Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Moises Henriques, Ashton Turner, Daniel Christian, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith, Jason Behrendorff

Australia Actual Playing XI:

Aaron Finch, Mitchell Swepson, Jason Behrendorff, AJ Tye, Alex Carey, Matthew Wade, Josh Philippe, Adam Zampa, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The skies over St Lucia would be overcast on July 17 and there are predictions for rains during the game. The pitch is on the slower side and hence batsmen have to play with caution. The side batting first would be happy to breach the 175-run mark as it is a defendable total on this wicket.

Venue Details

Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia is a batsmen friendly ground in ideal conditions. The shorter boundaries allow batsmen to free their arms and score quick runs. Fast bowlers don’t get much of movement unless its overcast conditions. Spinners have enjoyed good success here in the past.

Toss: To Bat

Three out of the four games in this series have been won by sides that have batted first. The track has gone slower as the game has progressed and chasing scores here remains a challenge. The side that wins the toss in this game shall opt to bat first in all likelihood.