Australia will meet the West Indies in the fourth T20I of the five-match series on Sunday, July 27, at Warner Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts. The visitors have already won the series 3-0 and will look to secure a rare whitewash on Caribbean soil. The hosts, battered by three straight losses, will seek to regain footing and make amends.
Despite the glimpses of genius by the West Indies batting unit, their bowlers have not been able to rein in the Aussies. Given the pitch is likely to favour batsmen once more, another run-fest is in the pipeline. But apart from cricket, this game means something to Australia. A whitewash will complete their dominating tour of the Caribbean, having already secured the Test series. It’s not another game—it’s a statement.
West Indies Keen to Save Face
The Caribbean side has not fared well in the series. Even though their batters—headed by the likes of Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer—have been gritty, the bowling department has disappointed them miserably. The West Indies have leaked large scores in every game, letting Australia chase freely or post unachievable totals.
With only two games remaining, the home team must dig deep. Captain Shai Hope will have to motivate a comeback if they want to steer clear of a 5-0 whitewash. Victory here would not only boost confidence but also serve as a statement before future international matches.
Australia’s All-Round Dominance Continues
Australia have appeared menacing in all departments. They started the tour by sealing the Test series and then went on to dominate the T20Is comprehensively. Tim David’s 37-ball century in the third match highlighted the explosive depth in the team.
Cameron Green has been a ballast in the middle order. With 118 runs at 59.00, he has played intelligent, measured innings. His clutch play under pressure is another facet of Australia’s firepower.
Pitch Set for Another Batting Showdown
Warner Park in St. Kitts has given little assistance to bowlers. The pitch has been a flat batting surface, with little movement. Both sides have exploited it fully, scoring plenty of runs. Bowlers have found it difficult to get a handle on the game early or late.
The same prospect holds for the fourth encounter. That is to say, fans may be treated to yet another high-scoring thriller. Bowlers will have to bank on variation and intelligent fielding placements to survive.
Dwarshuis and Green in the Spotlight
One of the few who have been able to excel with the ball is Ben Dwarshuis. The Aussie seamer has impressed, being the leading wicket-taker despite there being no movement on the pitch. His early strikes in the power play have been the key in every match.
Cameron Green is also a consistent batter. He constructs innings, maintains strike rotation, and picks up speed at the right time. His technique makes him one of Australia’s best options to begin with for the last two games.
Clean Sweep Would Signal More Than Just Victory
If Australia pull off a 5-0 sweep, it will mean more than cricketing dominance. It will prove the depth and mental robustness of the side in alien conditions. With older players rotating and younger ones coming into their own, the series has shown a self-assured and chameleon-like Australian team.
It is also a deafening warning before the T20 World Cup next year. Australia aren’t ready; they’re primed.
Probable Playing XIs
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Jediah Blades
Australia: Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
