MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – West Indies captain Shai Hope says his side will take nothing for granted against Australia’s new-look attack for Thursday’s three-match One-Day International series.
Selectors have rested Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc’s front-line pace attack, and fast-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. At the same time, another quick, Jhye Richardson, has been sidelined with an injury.
In their place, Australia have called up uncapped 25-year-old seamers Xavier Bartlett and Lance Morris, along with another 25-year-old pacer Aaron Hardie, who played his only ODI last September, along with the inexperienced Nathan Ellis.
“In this day and age, you get the luxury of seeing a lot of technology and all the analysis that we need to [have] on all the opposition,” Hope told reporters.
“I haven’t seen them personally, and I haven’t played against most of them, but we’ve seen all the footage.
“We plan, we prepare, and that’s all part of the preparation, so we certainly know what we’re coming [up] against.”
In the absence of Cummins, Australia will be led by veteran right-hander Steve Smith, who will have Travis Head as his vice-captain.
Also included in the squad is Test star Marnus Labuschagne, the right-hander averaging nearly 38 from 49 ODIs.
However, the 29-year-old enters the series in poor form, having scraped 16 runs in four innings in the two-test series against West Indies.
Hope said Labuschagne remained a dangerous player and gave the assurance that the West Indies would not be lulled into a false sense of security.
“We plan for everyone the same way,” Hope said.
“Cricket is one of those games where you can score ten ducks in a row, and then in the next game, you get a big one, so we can’t take that for granted.
“We understand the type of player he is, and anytime we’re going up against any strong opposition, you’ve got to make sure you plan for them regardless of whether they’re in form or not.
“As I said, he’s a quality player. We are looking to keep him on that low run of form.”
The ODI series comes on the heels of a thrilling two-Test rubber, which ended 1-1 after West Indies pulled off a stunning eight-run victory in the final Test at the Gabba last Sunday.
West Indies came in for high praise from the Australian fans over the performance, and Hope said since arriving, his side had felt the same warmth from the public.
“Any time I come here, I always feel welcome, whether it is on or off the field,” the stroke-maker explained.
“There is something about the Australian buzz. I’m always pleased to come here. I keep telling people it’s one of my favorite places to travel [to].
“I could speak on behalf of my teammates in the few days they’ve been here; they’ve always felt welcomed.
“As long as we’re doing well, the world is pleased to see West Indies cricket.”
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