Sean Abbott, on Friday (February 2), starred with the ball as well as in fielding to help Australia bowl out West Indies for a modest 231 runs in the first ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Debutant Xavier Bartlett gave the hosts a flying start by dismissing Justin Greaves and Alick Athanaze in his first two overs.
He then dismissed West Indies captain Shai Hope cheaply as well to reduce the visitors to 37 for 3 inside 10 overs. Cameron Green joined the party soon and sent back Kavem Hodge cheaply to leave the visitors reeling at 59 for 4.
Keacy Carty and Roston Chase stopped the rot and steadied the ship with a 110-run stand for the fifth wicket before Adam Zampa dismissed the latter for 59 to give Australia a crucial breakthrough. West Indies failed to finish strongly and were eventually bowled out for 231. Carty top-scored for the visitors, scoring 88 off 108 balls.
Sean Abbott hits the bullseye:
Sean Abbott played a big role in his team’s fine performance with the ball. In addition to taking two important wickets, he also ran out a well-set Carty to stop West Indies from finishing their innings strongly. At 193 for 5 in the 41st over with Carty unbeaten on 88, the tourists were looking set to post a 250-plus total. However, Sean Abbott came up with a brilliant effort on the field to dismiss Carty and put Australia in the driver’s seat.
On the final ball of the 41st over, Hayden Walsh hit Lance Morris’ delivery towards cover and called for a quick single. Carty duly obliged for the single only to see Sean Abbott picking the ball quickly and nailing the direct hit at the striker’s end. Carty was well short of his crease. After the run-out, Abbott also came up with the bow and arrow celebration.
Watch:
Bullseye! And Sean Abbott whips out the bow and arrow for the celebration too! 🏹 #CleanHands | #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/c9cCFZRq9V
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 2, 2024
After dismissing Carty, Abbott dismissed Walsh (20) and Matthew Forde (19) as well to help his team quickly wrap up the West Indies tail. The ongoing game is Australia’s first ODI since they won the World Cup in November last year. The six-time world champions will be keen to start the series with a win.
