Xavier Bartlett stars on debut as Australia crush West Indies at MCG to take 1-0 series lead

Australia made a brilliant start to their ODI series against the West Indies after they took a 1-0 lead with a crushing 8-wicket victory in the opening match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, February 2.

Xavier Bartlett recently finished as the leading wicket-taker in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23 in Brisbane Heat’s title-winning campaign. The speedster starred for Australia as he won the Player of the Match award on debut for his figures of 9-1-17-4.

On the back of his spell, Australia restricted the Caribbean team to 231 in 48.4 overs. Keacy Carty and Roston Chase scored 88 and 59 respectively and also put on 110 runs for the fifth wicket after West Indies were reduced to 59 for 4 in 15.2 overs.

But apart from them, none of the batters could show any resistance while facing the in-form Australian bowling attack.

Bartlett wreaked havoc in the West Indies’ top order as he got the prized wickets of Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves and Shai Hope in quick succession. Later, he returned to dismiss Gudakesh Motie.

Sean Abbott and Cameron Green picked up 2 wickets apiece. Lance Morris did not have the best of debuts after he leaked 59 runs and failed to get a single wicket.

Green, Smith shine for Australia
Australia, in their run-chase, found themselves in early trouble after Matthew Forde got the wicket of Travis Head. From there on, Josh Inglis and Green stepped on the gas to put on 79 runs for the second wicket off 10.4 overs.

Inglis hardly took his foot off the pedal as he raced to his half-century off 28 balls. Inglis went on to score 65 runs off 43 balls with 10 fours and a six before Motie accounted for his wicket.

After Inglis departed, Green and Steve Smith made sure that West Indies did not get any moment to rejoice until the end of the match. The duo stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 149 runs for the third wicket to take Australia past the finish line.

Smith, who was left stranded in the historic Gabba Test, scored 79 runs at a run-a-ball to take his team home. Green also played a handy knock of 77 as Australia chased down the target with 11.3 overs to spare.

The second T20I is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.