Picture Credit: ICC
COVID-19 has taken a toll on sporting events across the globe. Cricketing events are also not untouched by the virus and despite a secure bio bubble, the virus is finding its way inside. The ongoing ODI series between Australia and West Indies was also affected by the virus. The second ODI was called off due to a positive case in the camp. However, after a second test, it has been found that all the members have returned with a negative PCR test report. Thus, the series is all set to resume.
Cricket West Indies on Friday evening confirmed that all the 152 members from both the team camps have returned with a negative PCR test report. Everyone from the team members, coaching staff, match officials, venue staff, and TV crew have tested negative. Hence, the remaining matches in the series have been rescheduled. The second ODI which was to be played on 23 July, will now be played on July 25 and the third ODI will be played a day after i.e. on 26 July. Both the matches will begin at 12 AM IST.
Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0
Since only one match has been played in the series, it is wide open for both teams with equal opportunities to lay a hand on the trophy. However, Australia have given themselves an advantage after winning the first ODI. The Kangaroos beat the Windies by a big margin of 133 runs (D/L method). Alex Carey, the stand-in captain, scored a well-paced half-century. He scored 67 off 87 balls with the help of five boundaries and two sixes. Ashton Turner gave the final flares to Australia innings and scored a quick 49 off 45 balls.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood did the rest with the ball and rattled through the West Indies batting lineup. Starc claimed his eighth fifer in ODIs, while Hazlewood prized three wickets.
Now, with the Kangaroos back in form after losing the T20I series, the ODI series is evenly poised. West Indies will look to level the series when they take on the Australians on Sunday, whereas Australia will look to gain an unassailable lead and clinch the series.