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The only way is up for West Indies

Feb 03, 2013 Sports

ESPNcricinfo – It feels as though the series hasn’t really started, yet Australia find themselves 1-0 up. The first match at the WACA on Friday was so short that it was over well before the time that should have been the change of innings.
In fact, the teams could have played a Twenty20 afterwards and still been finished early. Having been bowled out for 70, the only way is up for West Indies. Hopefully, at least. The Perth fans would certainly like to see more of a contest in the second game.
Prior to the series, the captain Darren Sammy spoke of his desire for West Indies to begin 2013 in the right way, to set the tone for the coming year. He can only hope the players forget Friday’s match ever happened, just like they have tried to erase from their minds the ODI series loss to Bangladesh late last year.
There is much improvement required from West Indies in the 50-over format, and if they can’t turn things around on Sunday in Perth this series could be almost out of their grasp by the time Australia send their first batch of players off to India to prepare for the upcoming Test series.
In the spotlight
Glenn Maxwell has scored two half-centuries from his eight one-day international innings, including an unbeaten 51 in Australia’s tiny chase on Friday. But it is bowling that needs to continue developing and he is yet to take a wicket in ODI cricket. If Xavier Doherty is again left out, Maxwell will be the only spinner in Australia’s line-up and it will be a good test of his bowling – that is, if the fast men leave any work for him this time.
West Indies rely heavily on Chris Gayle at the top of the order and they cannot afford for his lean patch to continue too much longer. He has not scored a half-century in his past nine ODI innings and his BBL form was also disappointing. There is plenty of batting talent in the West Indies line-up but Gayle sets the tone, and they need that tone to be positive.
Team news
After Australia’s clinical performance on Friday, there is little reason for them to alter their team. The success of the fast men means it is unlikely Xavier Doherty will be needed until the series moves away from Perth.
West Indies will be hoping Andre Russell can prove his fitness after missing the first match due to a knee problem.
He would add some depth to their batting while also providing another pace option. After the success of the fast men on Friday, West Indies might consider whether Sunil Narine is required at the WACA or whether they can use Chris Gayle for their spin requirements.
Pitch and conditions
Perth’s forecast is for another hot day with a top temperature of 37C. There should again be assistance for the fast men.

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