Australia have crushed an abysmal West Indies batting line-up then wrapped up an ODI series clean sweep with a record-breaking run-chase inside seven overs.
But an injury blow to emerging quick Lance Morris has soured the eight-wicket flogging of the West Indies.
The hosts tore through their opponents at Manuka Oval as they dismissed West Indies for a dismal 86 in the 25th over, needing just 6.5 overs to chase that down.
Cameron Green, Sean Abbott and Steve Smith celebrate a wicket
Powerhouse opener Jake Fraser-McGurk put on a show in his limited time at the crease, slaughtering the West Indian quicks and smashing three sixes in his 18-ball 41.
It was Australia’s fastest ODI run chase in history, passing their previous mark of 7.5 overs against the USA in 2004.
But the win came at a cost for the home side with Morris leaving the field midway through an over with a side strain that will see him sent for scans.
Morris was playing just his second ODI and had looked threatening with the ball, taking his first two international wickets in his side’s stifling performance.
“He just said he had a bit of pain in the side and was struggling a bit, so he’ll get a scan in the next 12 to 24 hours and we’ll know more then,” captain Steve Smith said.
“He was probably a little bit nervous the other day making his debut, but he was starting to get some nice rhythm.
“He’s been great around the group, for over a year now he’s been there or thereabouts and it’s great to see him get a couple of games in.”
Morris wasn’t the only Australian in hot form with Xavier Bartlett continuing his stunning start in the one-day side with a quality 4-21.
That backed up his brilliant 4-17 in Friday’s series-opening game in Melbourne.
West Indies were a fraction unlucky to be 38-2 in the 11th over as Australia’s quicks made early inroads.
Kjorn Ottley (eight) was given out lbw to Bartlett and didn’t review his dismissal, despite getting what looked like a massive inside-edge onto his pad.
Marnus Labuschagne then produced a screamer of a catch at point to get rid of Keacy Carty (10) for Morris’ first ODI wicket.
The West Indies’ fight disappeared completely after scratching their way to 71-4, losing a further six wickets for 15 runs in 27 balls in an absolute capitulation.
Opening bat Alick Athanaze (32) was the only West Indian to show genuine grit at the crease and would be disappointed with his poor dismissal, spooning Adam Zampa to deep backward square.
As if things weren’t bad enough, a calamitous piece of running saw Matthew Forde slip over and run out while stranded almost halfway down the pitch as the wheels fell off.
“Sometimes it happens in cricket, anyone can be bowled out under 100,” captain Shai Hope said.
“(It came) out of the blue, I would never think my team would be batting like that.
“The Aussies bowled well, yes, … but we need to find ways to put them off their lengths, try to take the attack to them a bit more and don’t allow them to settle.”
Josh Inglis (35 not out) and Steve Smith (six not out) saw Australia across the line.
The sides will now head to Hobart where their three-game T20 series kicks off on Friday. (The Guardian)
