West Indies have certainly punched above their weight on their tour to Australia. While nobody gave them a chance to even compete in the two-match Test series, they became the first ever side to beat Australia in day-night Tests. Australia might have won the ODI series 3-0 but it isn't a fair reflection of how well they fought. In fact, at one stage, they were in a good position in the first two matches and were blown away in the final game of the series.
Come the three-match T20I series, West Indies are among the favourites and the gap between the two teams reduces significantly. It is the format they prefer the most and the likes of Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder among a few others come into the equation. For Australia, David Warner is back alongside Glenn Maxwell and Tim David and expect this to be an enthralling clash between the two sides.
Bellerive Oval, Hobart Pitch Report for 1st T20I
The surface on offer at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart is not exactly flat. It has something in it for the bowlers and that makes it for an interesting viewing. The venue has hosted 18 T20I matches so far with eight of them won by teams batting first. Average first innings score here is 145 but the highest total recorded here is 213 by Australia against England.
Bellerive Oval, Hobart T20I - Numbers Game
Matches played - 18
Won batting first - 8
Won bowling first - 9
Average first inns score - 145
Highest total - 213/4 by AUS vs ENG
Lowest total - 118/10 by WI vs SCO
Squads
West Indies Squad: Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran(w), Rovman Powell(c), Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Oshane Thomas, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford
Australia Squad: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh(c), Josh Inglis(w), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Jason Behrendorff, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Wade
