While Marcus Stoinis arrived in Trinidad in time for Australia’s final T20 World Cup practice match against the West Indies, there was another hurdle he failed to overcome.
Stoinis’ luggage didn’t arrive after a transit mix up, meaning Australia, who were hoping to have 10 men ready to play, were left with single digits again.
It also forced the Aussies to head in with just two fast bowlers.
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Hence, the West Indies batsmen took their chances to send a warning to Australia ahead of the competition, which begins next week.
The Aussies managed to to make 7-222 with just nine players allowed to bat.
But it wasn’t enough, falling 36 runs short against the Windies.
It was Nicholas Pooran who guided the West Indies to 4-257, headlined by a whopping 18 sixes across the team.
Josh Inglis stood tall for the Aussies, making 55 runs off just 30 deliveries, but it was his bowling teammates who struggled with ball in hand.
Pooran made a mammoth 75 off just 25 balls, headlined by eight of the team’s 18 sixes.
Adam Zampa, who hasn’t played a T20 match, or any cricket since February, was smashed for 21 off his opening over.
He finished with figures of 2-62, one of his worst performances with ball in hand.
This loss came after another disaster practice match against Namibia, where the Aussies were again forced to field with just nine eligible players.
Assistant coach Brad Hodge was also forced to filed in the loss to the West Indies.
Australia take on Oman on Thursday 6 June in Barbados.