West Indies sank to a new low on Tuesday as they suffered yet another defeat to Australia to lose the T20I series 5-0. This after the West Indies lost the Test series 3-0. The hosts have lost all 8 international fixtures to the mighty Australians. While Australia got a few boxes ticked ahead of the marquee T20 World Cup next year, there are problems of plenty for the West Indies as they have lost yet another series without winning a game.
Previously, they had lost to England 3-0 in England and lost 3-0 at home to Bangladesh. So, a lot to ponder for the West Indies. We will list out 3 reasons why they lost today’s game. There are actually multiple reasons why they lost the series, but we will focus on today’s game.
Losing wickets in powerplay and beyond in clusters pegs West Indies back
West Indies were once again inserted into bat first by Australia after losing another toss. They came out to bat hoping to get a good start but lost wickets at regular intervals. The top order failed as they were nipped out inside the powerplay. Captain Shai Hope, Brandon King, and Keacy Carty all fell in the powerplay as West Indies were 32/3 at one stage and the powerplay score was 49/3. Conversely, Australia did lose 4 wickets but amassed 67 runs to stay ahead in the chase.
Thereafter, they did get partnerships but lost wickets at the wrong time. Shimron Hetmyer did score a half-century but fell soon after getting it. Sherfane Rutherford scored 35 off 17 balls getting a start but not going on. This meant that West Indies never had the momentum and could muster 170 and got bowled out as well. It looked like a stop-start innings.
Going forward on good batting pitches and considering West Indies bowling to be a tad weak, the batters need to post par or above par scores as 170 looked below par given the conditions on offer at Warner Park. The top order fired in the initial three games, but just tapered off in the last two games. West Indies bat very deep and it’s important they take advantage of that by posting scores. Yes, batting first is not easy. But they have to find a way.
Late introduction of Akeal Hosein hurts West Indies badly
There was one tactical move by the West Indies that surprised many observes and that was the late introduction of Akeal Hosein. Hosein was introduced after 9 overs of the chase was completed in which Australia had already scored 122 off the 171 needed to win. Yes, the bowlers who bowled before him got 4 wickets in the powerplay but at what cost?
Hosein we have seen is a bowler who prefers and is used to bowling in the powerplay. We have seen that in franchise cricket and international as well. This ploy of introducing him as the 6th bowler baffled many experts. Hosein made an immediate impact getting rid of Mitchell Owen in his first over. He followed that up with 2 more wickets and finished with excellent figures of 3/17 in 4 overs.
Had Hosein being introduced inside the powerplay, West Indies may have got early wickets but most importantly the run rate would have been under check. Australia might have been under more pressure. These tactical blunders can not only cost matches but tournaments as well. The team management and think-tank must get their tactics right in order to be successful moving forward.
Underperformance of Romario Shepherd hurts West Indies
Another reason why West Indies lost this match was the performance or rather lack of it from Romario Shepherd. With Andre Russell stepping down and retiring after the first two matches of the series, it was expected that Romario Shepherd will pick up the pieces and be the replacement of Russell. But he had a game to forget this evening.
Romario Shepherd came out to bat at Number 7. He came into bat in the 13th over and West Indies wanted a finishing kick from him which they used to get from Russell earlier. But he flattered to deceive and scored 8 off 8 balls and got out after hitting a maximum. With the ball, he was anything but effective as he conceded 26 runs in 1.5 overs. He was introduced into the attack before Hosein and disappointed the fans.
It is high time that Shepherd translates his franchise form to international cricket. He needs to step up to the plate alongside Matthew Forde who is doing decently out there and help West Indies Cricket forward. Cricket West Indies believes in Shepherd and it is Shepherd’s responsibility to make sure he delivers consistently and gives more match winning performances on a regular basis.
What Lies Ahead
The West Indies-Australia series is done and dusted with Australia showing their dominance and winning all 8 international fixtures and becoming the first full member nation to achieve the feat. There is little time for West Indies to ponder about what went wrong as they now will host Pakistan in 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs with the T20I leg starting in Florida on 1st August IST. Australia will go back home and are scheduled to host South Africa in white ball fixtures in August.
So, a lot of cricket for both sides going forward as preparations kick in for the marquee T20 World Cup happening next year. West Indies will hope to come back to winning ways against Pakistan while Australia would like to continue winning home. Plenty of cricket to look forward to for all of us.
Also Read: WI vs AUS: 3 Reasons For West Indies’ Astounding Defeat Against Australia In 4th T20I