Australian debutant Xavier Bartlett has taken three wickets in a dream opening spell at the MCG, tearing through the West Indies top order.
The Queenslander’s third delivery of the match pitched on a good length, nipping the Kookaburra away from the right-hander and crashing into the top of off stump.
“That could not be more perfect,” former England bowler Isa Guha said on Fox Cricket commentary.
Former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe continued: “Bradman might have nicked that.”
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Bartlett should have snared a second breakthrough later in the same over, hooping a delivery into Alick Athanaze’s pads. The Australians didn’t call for a review, but Hawkeye replays showed the decision would have been overturned if captain Steve Smith sent the decision upstairs.
However, the 25-year didn’t have to wait long for another chance to knock over Athanaze, with the left-hander feathering an outswinger towards wicketkeeper Josh Inglis in his following over
“Where’s this kid been?” O’Keeffe bellowed.
Bartlett claimed his third victim late in the Powerplay when West Indies captain Shai Hope attempted a wild slog and edged through to Matt Short at first slip for 12.
“It’s a dream come true for Xavier Bartlett,” former Australian batter Michael Hussey said.
Cameron Green joined the party in the 16th over, with Kavem Hodge chipping a catch towards substitute fielder Mackenzie Harvey at mid-wicket for 11.
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Earlier, Smith won the toss and chosen to bowl first at the MCG.
The hosts have named two debutants, bowlers Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett, both of whom are making their maiden international appearances.
This is the first time two debutants have opened the bowling for Australia in a home men’s ODI since January 1997 (Andy Bichel and Anthony Stuart vs WI at the Gabba).
Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has tested positive for Covid-19 but will still play Friday’s first ODI against the West Indies in Melbourne.
The West Australian will follow Cricket Australia protocols, using a separate dressing room to his teammates and keeping his distance on the field.
Australian XI: Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Lance Morris, Adam Zampa
West Indies XI: Justin Greaves, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c, wk), Kaven Hodge, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Hayden Walsh Jr., Gudakesh Motie, Oshane Thomas
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