West Indies v Australia cricket tips & predictions | First T20

The West Indies and Australia turn their attention to the white ball this Sunday as they kick off their five-match T20 series in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Windies have excelled at T20 cricket over the years, with their mix of hard-hitting batsmen and tricky bowling always making them a wildcard prospect. However, they have struggled in recent times, winning just three of their past 11 matches. 

The Aussies have had quite a different run with the white ball, winning seven of their last eight T20 games despite regularly playing with an undermanned side.

Heading back to Sabina Park after the Test match just six days earlier, another bowler-friendly is expected. Just two of the last six T20 games at the venue have produced scores over 190, and with the bowling quality in both sides, that trend should continue.

West Indies team news

The West Indies are set to make a statement at the selection table, with exciting 18-year-old Jewel Andrew tipped to open the batting alongside the explosive Evin Lewis. Captain Shai Hope will be pushed down to three, with Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell and Roston Chase bolstering the middle order.

Andre Russell is set to play his last two internationals in Jamaica before retiring, providing excitement with both bat and ball. Pace options include Alzarri Joseph, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde and potential debutant Jediah Blades. Meanwhile, the spin options are Akeal Hossein and Gudakesh Motie.

1. Jewel Andrew
2. Evin Lewis
3. Shai Hope (c, wk)
4. Shimron Hetmyer
5. Rovman Powell
6. Roston Chase
7. Andre Russell
8. Jason Holder
9. Alzarri Joseph
10. Akeal Hossein
11. Gudakesh Motie

Australia team news

The Australians have no shortage of power in their batting lineup, with Mitch Owen and Matt Short tipped to open the batting. Captain Mitch Marsh will come in at three, while wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is tipped to bat at four. A mix of Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly and Tim David will provide all-round support.

Expect Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott to lead the pace attack, with Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett the other options. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa and Matt Kuhnemann provide the spin.

1. Mitch Owen
2. Matt Short
3. Mitch Marsh (c)
4. Josh Inglis (wk)
5. Glenn Maxwell
6. Aaron Hardie
7. Tim David
8. Cooper Connolly
9. Sean Abbott
10. Nathan Ellis
11. Adam Zampa

West Indies vs Australia predictions – First T20

Despite resting their first-choice bowling attack, Australia should still have too much quality. The West Indies have struggled both home and away in recent times, and their lack of depth with both bat and ball looks set to prove the difference. Back the visitors to win at -227.27 with top cricket betting sites.

West Indian spinner Akeal Hossein looks set to be the most dangerous prospect in this game. He dominates year-round on the T20 circuit and also boasts exceptional international form, with 12 wickets in his last seven games. At +250 with , Hossein offers excellent value to take two or more wickets.

Also keep an eye out for Australian seamer Nathan Ellis. While he is not the fastest bowler, Ellis uses his wide array of variations late in the innings to draw out mistakes from batsmen. The 30-year-old has taken multiple wickets in 10 of his 20 T20I games, so back him to continue that trend with two or more wickets at +110 with leading online sportsbooks.

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