<p>Australia’s ODI series against the West Indies got off to a fantastic start on Friday, February 2, as they crushed the opposition 8 wickets to take a 1-0 lead at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground.</p>
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<p>Xavier Bartlett just concluded the Brisbane Heat’s championship-winning Big Bash League (BBL) 2022–23 season as the team’s top wicket-taker. The speedster was a standout for Australia, winning Player of the Match for his first-ever performance with 9-1-17-4.</p>
<p>Australia held the Caribbean squad to 231 in 48.4 overs after his stint. After the West Indies were reduced to 59 for 4 in 15.2 overs, Keacy Carty and Roston Chase added 110 runs for the fifth wicket with scores of 88 and 59, respectively.</p>
<p><strong>Highlights of Australia vs. West Indies, first ODI</strong></p>
<p>All the other hitters, however, were unable to muster any resistance against the potent Australian bowling attack.</p>
<p>Bartlett quickly took the valuable wickets of Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, and Alick Athanaze, wreaking havoc in the West Indies top order. He came back later to dismiss Gudakesh Motie.</p>
<p>Cameron Green and Sean Abbott both took two wickets. Lance Morris did not have a great debut, giving up 59 runs without taking a wicket.</p>
<p><strong>Smith and Green are excellent for Australia.</strong><br />
Australia was having early problems in their pursuit for runs when Travis Head was removed by Matthew Forde. Josh Inglis and Green then turned up the heat, scoring 79 runs for the second wicket in 10.4 overs.</p>
<p>With only 28 balls to go, Inglis reached his half-century with hardly a foot off the gas. After that, Inglis scored 65 runs off 43 balls, including ten fours and a six, before Motie claimed his wicket.</p>
<p>Green and Steve Smith ensured that West Indies had no time to celebrate once Inglis left the game until it was over. Australia crossed the finish line thanks to an undefeated partnership between the two players that lasted 149 runs for the third wicket.</p>
<p>Smith led his side home with 79 runs at run-a-ball after being left stranded during the historic Gabba Test. With 11.3 overs remaining, Australia managed to chase down the mark, thanks in part to Green’s useful knock of 77.</p>
<p>Sunday, February 4th is the planned date of the second Twenty20 International at the Sydney Cricket Ground.</p>
