Australia prepared for the ‘short stuff’ vs WI

Nottingham

Australia are prepared for some hostile short bowling from West Indies in their second game at Trent Bridge, captain Aaron Finch said. West Indies shot Pakistan out for a dismal 105 in their opening game last week in a devastating spell, exploiting the weakness of the Pakistani batsmen. They then wrapped up a seven-wicket victory over the 1992 world champions.

But Finch said the key to beating a resurgent West Indies is to have various strategies on hand to counter bowling attacks as teams could adjust very quickly in the tournament. “I think if you just stick to one plan, then teams get on top of you pretty quickly or they adjust quick enough,” Finch said. “I think if you over-attack and continue to go too short or you continue to go too full, whatever it might be, it’s about your follow-ups from those balls.”

Head coach Justin Langer said the defending champions would need to adjust their mindset to take on the West Indies quicks. “We’ve probably spent four months thinking and playing against spin bowling,” he said.

“We have to adapt to West Indies, who have got a number of good, fast bowlers. South Africa will be same. England will be the same. Have to adapt our game plan and adapt pretty quickly,” he added.

“Obviously a very dangerous team the way they bat and aggressive bowling, but they’ve got weaknesses as well and we’re playing pretty good cricket,” he added.

Australia are chasing a record sixth World Cup win in the 50-overs edition of the game having won the previous one in 2015. However, Finch warned against complacency, especially against dangerous West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle who is set to retire at the end of the tournament. “I think it’s important that you come prepared,” he said. — AFP

Russell good to goWest Indies captain Jason Holder said he is “very, very hopeful” of Andre Russell getting fit in time for their game against Australia. Russell has had to deal with recurring knee issues over the years and was seen limping in the field after his fiery spell against Pakistan. While Chris Gayle has regained full fitness, Russell has not, said Holder on eve of the game. “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.

Finch backs concussion subs in int’l cricket Australia captain Aaron Finch says he would welcome the introduction of concussion substitutes in international cricket. A news report said the ICC could allow concussion subs from October 1 this year. At present, substitutes in international matches can only field and are not allowed to bat or bowl. But a two-year trial of concussion substitutes in various domestic competitions around the world started in October 2017.

Aus vs WI in World CupMatches: 9

Australia: 5

West Indies: 4

Form guideAustralia: WWWWW

West Indies: WLLWL

(L=lost W=won; Last five completed matches, most recent first)

Pitch and conditionsCloudy start, with chances of rains throughout the day. Batsmen will look to cash in on short boundaries at Trent Bridge

7 Wicket win for Australia against West Indies in their warm-up game in Southampton. Australia chased down West Indies’ total of 229 in 39 overs3 Matches out of eight Australia have won at Trent Bridge. Their most recent match here was a 242-run loss to England last year. WI have only lost once in eight games at the venue. The loss came as far back as 1984