Josh Hazlewood (L) and Andrew McDonald
Chief selector George Bailey and head coach Andrew McDonald were forced to take the field as substitute fielders during Australia’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match against Namibia on Tuesday. Australia currently have just 9 out of their 15 members at the World Cup with Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis taking a break following the IPL. As a result, head coach Andrew McDonald, assistants Brad Hodge and Andre Borovec along with chief selector George Bailey also served as substitute fielders during the match.
The 2021 champions looked in good touch as they chased down Namibia’s total of 119/9 in dominant fashion with 10 overs remaining with a quickfire half-century from David Warner (54*).
Warner (54*) smashed six fours and a trio of massive sixes at the Port of Spain venue, facing just 21 deliveries in an excellent sign for the Aussies after the left-hander struggled for consistency during the recent IPL.
Seamer Josh Hazlewood (2/5) set the tone with a superb opening spell that netted three maidens, while first-choice spinner Adam Zampa (3/25) bowled well yet again as Namibia only snuck past 100 courtesy of some decent late hitting from Zane Green (38 in 30 balls, with five fours).
Australia openers Mitchell Marsh and Warner had 39 on the board inside three overs in reply and the loss of Marsh for 18 and stand-in number three Josh Inglis (5) allowed Tim David (23 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) to arrive at the crease as the Aussies kept the runs flowing by scoring boundaries at ease.
David fell in the ninth over to Bernard Scholtz (2/16), but Matthew Wade (12*) and Warner kept the momentum going as Australia claimed the victory with ease.
Earlier in the day, the warm-up fixture between the USA and Bangladesh in Dallas was cancelled due to rain and the Netherlands registered an impressive 20-run triumph over Sri Lanka in Florida.
Australia is placed in Group B along with arch-rivals England, Namibia, Scotland and Oman. They will be starting their tournament against Oman on June 5 in Barbados.
(With ANI inputs)
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