World Cup 2019: Key players for AUS-WI encounter

By
Arijah Siddiqui
Key players for AUS-WI encounter

NOTTINGHAM: The World Cup 2019 matched between Australia and West Indies has all the elements of a heavy metal face-off. The match will be played today on the 'world record pitch' at Trent Bridge at 2:30 pm (PST) and 10:30 am (local time)

Following are some key players to watch for in this thrilling encounter:

David Warner (Australia)

David Warner scored 89* to help Australia win against Afghanistan in the tournament. Photo: AFP

All set for AUS-WI clash, Warner had been in sparkling structure in the opener match of the tournament where he scored 89* to help Australia to win against Afghanistan.

The Australian opener has just indicated great sober-mindedness and control while developing consistent counts despite in-form bowlers. He has already scored 14 centuries and 18 half-centuries in his career of 107 ODI matches, with more expected to come as he works hard to shine in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Pat Cummins (Australia)

Pat Cummins picked up three to keep Afghanistan in check. Photo: AFP

Pat Cummins is a truly able bowler that can cooperate to rapidly end any expectations his opposition might have of setting a major score. He can deal with the event with his quality and consistency. The hot-pace bowler's great batting style will likewise be key for adding to Australia's achievement in the occasion.

He took 3 important wickets in the opener match against Pakistan. He has taken 85 wickets in 49 matches with an economy of 5.18, including a five-wicket- haul (5/70). His pace is expected to haunt the batting line of the opponents.

 Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Chris Gayle scored a brilliant fifty on 33 balls in the opener match against Pakistan. Photo: AFP

The aggressive opener of West scored a trademark fifty on 33 balls in the opener match against Pakistan.

Gayle has always been a phenomenal power-hitting opener against any kind of bowler with a decent strike rate of 87.14, averaging 38.16. He has already fetched twenty-five centuries and fifty-one half-centuries which mirrors his elegant class and destructive power show.

Shai Hope (West Indies)

The decent middle-order batsman for West Indies, Shai Hope. Photo: File

The middle-order batsman has already slammed a breath-taking century just before the beginning of the official tournament during a warm-up match against New Zealand. 

Hope has also scored two blistering centuries earlier this month during the Tri-Nation series, against Ireland and Bangladesh. He is in a super-hot form with an ODI average of 51.06. In his not-so-long career of 54 ODI matches till date, he has already fetched six centuries and 10 super-fifties.

Oshane Thomas (West Indies)

West Indies' death bowler Oshane Thomas celebrated as he took the wicket of Muhammad Hafeez (Pak). Photo: AFP

Taking 4 crucial wickets against Pakistan in the match opener confirms that taking wickets is his part of the game no matter what ranked team is in the opposition. His recent performances show that this versatile man is ready to perform throughout the tournament.

In 10 ODI matches (9 innings), he has taken 19 wickets including one five-wicket-haul (5/21). His game reflects his diligent hard work and vision of sending down shivers in the spines of the batting line-ups.