Australia Bowl First in T20I Series Opener Against West Indies; Mitchell Owen Makes Debut

Australia Bowl First in T20I Series Opener Against West Indies; Mitchell Owen Makes Debut

Australia have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the opening T20I against West Indies at Sabina Park, Kingston, marking the start of a five-match series. The visitors handed a debut to Mitchell Owen, the young all-rounder who impressed during the recent BBL season with the Hobart Hurricanes.

Despite his success as an opener in domestic cricket, Owen will bat at No. 6 in his international debut. He may get a chance with the ball before wielding the bat, with conditions under lights expected to assist bowlers early on.

Australia's decision to bowl also comes with several squad adjustments. Jake Fraser-McGurk will open the batting alongside captain Mitchell Marsh in the absence of Travis Head, who has been rested for the series. Fraser-McGurk was added late to the squad as wicketkeeping cover for Josh Inglis, who retains his place in the playing XI.

Meanwhile, Tim David is unavailable for the first game as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered during the IPL. He is expected to return for the second match. Matt Short has flown home due to a minor side strain, paving the way for Cooper Connolly to slot in at No. 7 and offer a second spin option alongside Adam Zampa.

Australia have gone with a three-man pace attack comprising Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis, with senior quicks Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc all rested following the Test series.

For West Indies, there was a late blow with Evin Lewis ruled out due to injury. Brandon King returns to open the innings with captain Shai Hope. Star all-rounder Andre Russell is listed to bat at No. 7 in what is his penultimate T20I appearance for the West Indies, as the team looks to give him a fitting farewell.

Sherfane Rutherford returns to the middle order after missing the UK tour, while the hosts have opted for two specialist left-arm orthodox spinners in Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie. The pace department is led by Alzarri Joseph and supported by Jason Holder.

Playing XIs:

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (capt & wk), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

The series promises to be a high-energy contest, with Australia experimenting with new faces and the West Indies hoping to end a T20 era on a high with Russell’s swansong.

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