PERTH, Australia: A maiden century from George Bailey and another inspired bowling performance from the emerging Mitchell Starc helped Australia beat the West Indies by 54 runs in the second one-day international at the WACA Ground yesterday.
Set 267 to win after Bailey’s unbeaten 125 rescued the Australian innings, the West Indies were cruising at 159 for three in the run chase, before the return of Starc to the attack turned the match again as the tourists were bowled out 212 in the 39th over.
Starc (5-32) had claimed the first three wickets in the West Indian innings, all lbw, to have them reeling at 33 for three, but when he came back into the attack the Australians were struggling, with opener Kieran Powell and Dwayne Bravo putting on a century partnership for the fourth wicket.
However, the left-armer, who took 5-20 as the Australians routed the West Indies for 70 in Friday’s opening game en route to a nine-wicket victory, struck two more telling blows.
After spinner Glenn Maxwell ended the Powell and Bravo partnership at 126 runs by having the latter caught behind for 45, Starc removed Powell and Devon Thomas (0) in successive balls to claim his second five-wicket haul in as many matches.
Earlier, brilliant catching by the West Indies had Australia in deep trouble at 98 for six, before Bailey steered a spirited fightback.
AFP
