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Australia vs West Indies First ODI Tips - New faces guarantee exciting contest

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

31 Jan 2024

Siddhu Bharadwaj 31 Jan 2024

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Australia vs West Indies First ODI predictions to be played at the MCG in Melbourne on Friday, February 2
West Indies have struck the most match 6s in 4 of their last 7 ODIs
Australia have conceded the most match 6s in their last 2 ODIs against the Windies

Will the newly-crowned World Champions start the home series against the Windies with a win? (Getty Images)

Australia vs West Indies First ODI

After sharing the honours in the Test series, quite surprisingly, Australia and West Indies prepare for the three-match ODI series. The first of the matches will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, starting at 9am Indian morning.

Australia vs West Indies First ODI
Head to Head
Australia Form
Australia Team News
West Indies Form
West Indies Team News

West Indies surprised everyone in the second Test, thereby levelling the series. Does that give them a leg-up in the ODIs? It’s a completely different side for both teams as they juggle Test priorities with the upcoming T20Is. There’s some value in backing the Windies clearing the ropes more often, as they are stacked with some exciting players.

West Indies have struck the most match 6s in 4 of their last 7 matches (ODIs)
Australia have conceded the most match 6s in their last 2 matches against the West Indies (ODIs)
Australia have won their last 8 matches at this venue against the West Indies (ODIs)
Travis Head scored a 100 in his last match as well as his last match at this venue (ODIs)

Head to Head

These sides met in 143 ODIs prior to this match with the Australians winning 76, West Indies winning 61 and three ending in a tie. The remaining three matches ended without any result.

The last time Australia met the Windies in a ODI series was in July 2021 when they visited the Caribbean Islands and won the three-match series 2-1. The last time these sides played down under was in February 2013.

Australia Form

The last time Australia played this format was in the ODI World Cup in November 2023 when they won the final defeating India. Their World Champion run saw them win nine matches in a row.

Australia will be playing this series without most of their regulars though. The notable omissions include Test captain Pat Cummins along with his fast-bowling duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

In his absence, it will be Steven Smith who will lead the side as Australia play their first matches after being crowned as World Champion.

Australia Team News

Matt Short will get a chance to open the batting after David Warner’s retirement while Lance Morris is likely to debut. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Xavier Bartlett are likely to be left out, unless they decide to play a specialist batter or bowler in place of all-rounder Aaron Hardie.

West Indies Form

West Indies cricket had a rollicking week coming into this series as they won the second Test in Brisbane by eight runs. It was one of the most sensational victories in recent times and got the Islands buzzing again.

The white ball format is a different picture though, where the Windies are looking to bounce back after missing the last World Cup having failed to qualify.

Under new captain Shai Hope, they have won a series at home against England and will look to be competitive right from the start.

West Indies Team News

The visitors have an exciting squad with the likes of Oshane Thomas and Romario Shepherd likely to provide support for Alzarri Joseph. Hayden Walsh Jr. is recalled, but may have to wait for game time, with Gudakesh Motie likely to be ahead in pecking order.

Australia vs West Indies First ODI FAQs

Where can I watch the Australia vs West Indies First ODI live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Australia vs West Indies First ODI live stream.

What time does Australia vs West Indies First ODI start?

This Australia vs West Indies First ODI will be played at the MCG in Melbourne on February 2, Friday starting at 9:00am IST.

Verdict

Australia v West Indies - 1st ODI

It is a tough outing to predict with a number of changes in both sides. I am looking at the 6s market and backing the Windies to produce the goods. Look at the individual markets for value with the likes of Travis Head and Shai Hope likely to be the best batter for their respective teams.