A better career performance from Mitchell Marsh has led Australia to a well-deserved victory, but several glaring issues remain.
T20: After playing with the bat, Mitch Marsh then attempted to put Australia on their back with the ball against the West Indies – taking 3 for 24, career T20I best numbers in St. Lucia.
Mitchell Marsh (R) of Australia hits 6 to raise his half century and Nicholas Pooran (L) of West Indies looks on during the 4th T20I between Australia and West Indies at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, St. Lucia, on July 14, 2021. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) Source: AFP
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s best career performance led Australia to a well-deserved victory over the West Indies on Thursday AEST.
Marsh was Australia’s savior with bat and ball at Saint Lucia’s Daren Sammy Stadium, helping the visitors avoid a streak of whitewash and presumably cement his place on the T20 World Cup squad.
However, the West Australian’s dazzling performance diminished over a few glaring cracks in the middle order and bowling ranks.
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Australia’s innings were marked by a welcome return to form for captain Aaron Finch, who scored 53 points in an explosive 37-ball stroke.
Finch and No.3 hitter Mitchell Marsh (75 of 44) combined for a crucial 114-run stand, Australia’s 10th largest partnership in T20 cricket.
It was the third half-century in the series for Marsh and his highest individual score at the T20 internationals.
It might not have seemed the most natural exchange 10 days ago, but Mitchell Marsh could be the perfect replacement Australia had never considered before for Steve Smith at No.3 in case he would withdraw from T20 World Cup #WIvAUS
But the Australian middle order struggled against the West Indian spinner again, with the visitors losing 4/20 in 23 balls after Finch was sacked.
Tweaker Hayden Walsh retired Alex Carey for a golden duck after making a simple spoonback, while Moises Henriques and Ashton Turner both dropped six points.
The Australians have recorded just 75 points over the last nine overs, finishing 6/189. All-round veteran Dan Christian provided late fireworks, hitting a 22 on fast fire.
It was comfortably the touring team’s biggest score in the series to date, but he estimated that around 20 points were below par given their dominance at the 10 mark.
Walsh was the lead destroyer with the ball, finishing his four overs with numbers of 3/27.
In response, West Indies forerunners Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons started the chase with 56 points from the first four overs.
But an economical bowling from Adam Zampa (2/20) and Marsh (3/24) restricted hosts during the middle overs.
As the wickets fell on the other end, Simmons (72 of 48 balls) maintained the scoreboard with consistent limits.
But Marsh claimed two wickets in two balls in the 16th to firmly bring the momentum back in Australia’s favor.
The West Indies needed 36 points from the last 12 balls for an unlikely win, but Andre Russell and Fabian Allen collectively hit four sixes in Riley Meredith’s penultimate to set up a thrilling finish.
But the West Indies ultimately lost four points short of the 190-point goal, with Mitchell Starc showing his death experience.
Meredith finished with digits of 1/57 on four overs, the third most points conceded by an Australian bowler in a T20 round.
Absolutely awesome finale from Starc. This will boost Australia’s morale. Still a lot of serious work to be done but definitely an improvement. #WIvAUS
Starc couldn’t have pitched a better last against one of the most dangerous hitters in the world. Brilliant. #WIvAUS
“A really good overall performance, especially at the back of the bowlers,” Finch said after the win.
“I thought Mitchell Marsh’s performance was the nicest thing. Keeping up with the pace of the ball and the game was a bit more valuable for speed-loving Lendl Simmons. “
The West Indies hold an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-game series – the fifth T20 starts Saturday morning at 9:30 am AEST.
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