Cricket Scorecard

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Aaron Hardie and Nathan Ellis were tidy with the ball, with Hardie finishing with two wickets while Ellis remained wicketless but conceded just 21 runs in his four overs. Australia have chased quite convincingly in all three games so far and will back themselves to hunt down the total for the fourth time in a row. With the outfield a bit damp after the rain, it could be tricky for the Windies bowlers to get a proper grip on the ball. Back in a bit for the chase.

Australia did well to snuff out each of those threats before they could turn into something substantial heading into the death overs. Jason Holder and Matthew Forde got together and looked like they could deliver the final flourish their team had been lacking all series, but it wasn’t to be as both perished at inopportune moments. As a result, West Indies managed only 41 runs in the last five overs, finishing on 204 and once again leaving a few runs out there.

Wickets in the Powerplay had eluded Australia, with just one scalp across the first two games. Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie led the course correction, maintaining a consistent 6-8 metre length, with Bartlett striking crucially to remove both in-form West Indies openers. In the middle phase, West Indies kept going hard through Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd, but none could carry on and make it count.

Just 2 runs from the final over and it turns out to be the most economical over of the innings. Quite a strange innings from the West Indies, one that promised a lot considering the starts the Windies batters got for themselves, but no one could go on and make it big. Australia kept plugging away at the wickets and you'd think they will be the happier of the two sides. 

Nathan Ellis to Akeal Hosein, A single to end the innings! Pitched full, around off. Akeal Hosein clears the front leg and drills this to mid-off for one. West Indies finish with 205/9.

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, Slower ball on the full, around off. Jediah Blades swings hard and miscues it toward point for one.

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, No run.

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, Short of a length delivery, just outside off. Jediah Blades looks to pull but misses.

We are back. The two umpires and players make their way out to the centre. Nathan Ellis is at the top of his mark and has 4 balls left in the over. Jediah Blades to face.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

UPDATE - Right then, the rain has subsided and the covers are coming off.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

UPDATE - It has stopped raining. The covers are still in place for now, but it shouldn’t be long before they are removed.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

UPDATE - 12.53 am GMT - Good news! The intensity of the rain has eased, and the ground staff are hovering near the covers, ready to take them off as soon as it stops completely. Stay tuned!

UPDATE - 12.50 am GMT - It is still raining steadily, but Daren Ganga informs us that the drainage at the venue is excellent. There is a 60-minute buffer before overs start getting lost. Fingers crossed the rain eases off soon.

Well, the drizzle has picked up and the covers are being brought on. The ground staff are quick to cover the surface and the square. There is a strong breeze blowing across, so hopefully, it will blow away the rain soon. Stick around!

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, Skiddy back of a length, just outside off. Jediah Blades hangs back and dabs it to the right of the keeper.

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, Slower ball on a length, around off. Jediah Blades swings and misses.

-

Adam Zampa to Akeal Hosein, ! BRUTE FORCE! Tossed up full, in the slot. Hosein clears the front leg and smokes it over long-on for a biggie. Brings up 200 for the home side.

Adam Zampa to Akeal Hosein, Fuller googly, around off. Akeal Hosein swings and misses.

Adam Zampa to Jediah Blades, Flatter leggie, around off. Blades knocks it toward deep point for one.

Adam Zampa to Akeal Hosein, Fired in on the middle and leg. Akeal Hosein heaves it toward deep square leg for one.

Adam Zampa to Jediah Blades, Tossed up on middle. Jediah Blades turns it off the inner half toward mid-wicket for one.

Jediah Blades is the last man.

Adam Zampa to Jason Holder, ! BOWLED'EM! Adam Zampa gets his third! Fuller googly, on the middle and leg stump line. Jason Holder looks to thrash it through covers but gets the inside edge that clatters onto the stumps. West Indies are nine down and in danger of not playing his overs.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, Low full toss at the stumps, driven along the ground to long-on for one.

Halt! Jason Holder gets hit near the Adam's apple and the physio is out to check on him. Holder is good to go.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, No run.

Xavier Bartlett to Akeal Hosein, Nails the yorker, on off, Akeal digs it out in front of cover for one.

Xavier Bartlett to Akeal Hosein, 2 runs.

Xavier Bartlett to Akeal Hosein, Four!

Xavier Bartlett to Akeal Hosein, No run.

Sean Abbott to Akeal Hosein, On a length, around off. Pushed into covers for one.

Sean Abbott to Akeal Hosein, WIDE! Banged short and well over the batter. Akeal Hosein ducks and lets it go. Wide signaled.

Sean Abbott to Akeal Hosein, Short of a length, on off. Akeal Hosein hops and drops it uppishly into the off-side.

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, ! c Cameron Green b Sean Abbott.

Akeal Hosein is in next.

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, WIDE! Back of a length, well outside the tramline. Matthew Forde moves across for the pull but misses. Wide signaled.

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, No run.

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, MORE! CLEVER AND EFFECTIVE! Pitched full, around off. Matthew Forde shuffles across and ramps it over fine leg for a cheeky maximum. 

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, ! SMOKED! Fuller than a length, around off. Matthew Forde clears the front leg and thumps it over wide long-off for a biggie.

Nathan Ellis to Jason Holder, Back of a length on the middle and leg. Jason Holder looks to tuck but misses onto the pad.

Nathan Ellis to Jason Holder, Slower ball on a length, on off. Jason Holder dabs this to point.

Nathan Ellis to Jason Holder, ! Over the top! On a length, around off. Jason Holder makes room and smashes it toward the deep extra cover region. One bounce and into the boundary.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Forde, Skiddy length ball, around off. Forde guides it off the outer edge toward deep third for one.

Nathan Ellis to Jason Holder, Full and at the stumps. Jason Holder drives it down to long-on for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Forde, On a length, on the leg pole. Matthew Forde turns it round the corner for one.

Adam Zampa to Jason Holder, ! Good hit! Floated up, fuller and slower, outside off, Holder walks across, gets low and clobbers it to the right of long on for a flat six.

Adam Zampa to Jason Holder, Short and on off, pushed to point by Holder.

Adam Zampa to Jason Holder, ! In the gap! Pushed through, short and outside off, Holder goes hard on the cut and gets it off the outer half. Beats the diving short third fielder to his right for a boundary.

Matthew Forde walks in at 9.

Adam Zampa to Matthew Forde, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Romario Shepherd, ! CAUGHT! WOW! Extraordinary athleticism by Glenn Maxwell!

Adam Zampa to Romario Shepherd, Flat and short, outside off, Romario Shepherd flashes at the delivery but misses.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, A loud shout for LBW! The umpire walks away and this looks to be sliding down leg. Gets the yorker in, does Xavier, on middle and leg, Holder is late in bringing his bat down and gets hit on the left boot.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, ! Innovative and effective! Dug in short by Xavier Bartlett, outside off, Jason Holder walks across and the ball does get a bit big on him. Ducks a bit whilst playing the shot and paddles it down to deep fine leg for a four.

Xavier Bartlett to Romario Shepherd, Very full, outside off, RS jams it out past cover for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Romario Shepherd, No run.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, Slower and on a back of a length, on off, Jason guides it in front of short third for one.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, ! Gets it through! This is on a length, on middle and leg, Jason Holder takes a couple of steps down the track and drills it down the ground back past the bowler. The long on fielder sprints and tumbles to his left but the ball beats him.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, This sneaks just inside the tramline, on the fuller side, Romario looks to squeeze it out but misses. There is a sound once again but it is of the bat hitting the turf.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, Wide!

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, ! Hammered! Off-pace delivery by Sean Abbott, short and almost beyond the tramline on off, Romario takes a step closer to the line of the ball and reaches out to slap it over extra cover for a biggie.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, ! Superb shot! Sean Abbott executes the wide yorker, Romario Shepherd takes a step across and uses the pace on the ball by opening the face. Carves it towards deep backward point for a boundary. To make matters worse for Sean, it is a NO BALL for overstepping. Free Hit coming up.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, Oh, wow! On a back of a length, on middle, Romario Shepherd swivels and pulls it on the bounce to the right of deep mid-wicket. Xavier Bartlett moves to his right in the deep and pushes the ball away from the fence before going over the ropes. It is cut off by the fielder convering from deep square leg. Two runs taken.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, Short in length and no pace offered, outside off, Romario Shepherd drops his wrists and lets the ball go.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, ! Up and over! Wide on off, Romario Shepherd extends his hands and takes it on the full. Lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, ! Not exactly where he intended but Romario Shepherd will take it! The wide yorker is nailed by Sean, Romario gets his bat down and it gets squirted off the toe end to the left of short third for a boundary.

Aaron Hardie to Romario Shepherd, Slower and fuller, outside off, RS slices it to deep point for a single. A fine over from Hardie. A wicket and just 2 runs off it.

Aaron Hardie to Romario Shepherd, Hurls it on a good length, just outside the off stump, Romario Shepherd defends inside the line and gets beaten.

Aaron Hardie to Romario Shepherd, Pitched up, on off, driven straight to mid off.

Aaron Hardie to Jason Holder, On off, on a short of a length, Holder runs it down to deep third for a single.

Jason Holder walks in at 8.

Aaron Hardie to Jason Holder, On a good length, in the channel on off, Holder shapes up to play it fine with an open bat face but misses.

Aaron Hardie to Rovman Powell, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Aaron Hardie strikes on his return to the attack!

Nathan Ellis to Romario Shepherd, On off, on a good length, defended with a straight bat by Romario.

Nathan Ellis to Romario Shepherd, ! Off the top edge! Banged in short by Nathan, around the right shoulder, Romario Shepherd swivels for the pull. Gets a top edge that goes fine of the man at deep third.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Full and on middle, Powell ekes out an inside edge onto the pads. They cross as the ball rolls on the leg side.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, No run.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, 2 Leg byes.

Nathan Ellis to Romario Shepherd, Starts with the back-of-the-hand slower delivery, on a short of a length, Romario Shepherd drops it down in front of backward point for one.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, Back of a length, around off. Romario Shepherd punches it to deep third and takes one.

DRINKS! Just as things were beginning to look up for West Indies, they have lost Shimron Hetmyer. It has been the story of their innings where they have kept going hard but have lost wickets at key moments. Australia have struck back every time, and the bowlers have been backed up in the field. West Indies now need Rovman Powell to bat deep and ideally anchor the finish. Romario Shepherd joins Powell out in the middle.

Sean Abbott to Shimron Hetmyer, ! c Mitchell Owen b Sean Abbott.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Fuller than a length, on the middle and leg. Rovman Powell knocks it toward extra cover and picks one.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, On a hard length, on middle. Rovman Powell defends it onto the pitch.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, ! THAT'S GONE LIKE A BULLET! Pitched full, around off. Rovman Powell stays deep in the crease and drills it through extra cover for a cracking boundary.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Slower bumper, around off, and well over the batter. Rovman Powell lets it go. Wide signaled.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Six!

Adam Zampa to Shimron Hetmyer, Flatter and quicker googly, around off. Shimron Hetmyer goes back and knocks it to the left of Zampa.

Adam Zampa to Shimron Hetmyer, Six!

Adam Zampa to Shimron Hetmyer, ! THAT'S TA HERE! Floated full, on the middle and leg. Shimron Hetmyer gets on his knee and smashes it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, Tossed up full, just outside off. Rovman Powell eases the drive toward extra cover for one.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, Flighted full, around off. Rovman Powell is low to slog across the line but gets the inside edge onto the pad.

It looks like we have lost the ball. The fourth umpire is out with the box of balls.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, ! OVER THE ROOF! Tossed up full, on off. Rovman Powell gets low and smokes it over the long-on fence for a colossal hit. That went 102m and out of the park.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Floated full, and outside the tramline again. Rovman Powell leaves it alone. Another wide.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, Wide!

Nathan Ellis to Shimron Hetmyer, Pace off delivery on a length, angling across. Shimron Hetmyer flays and misses.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Pitched full, at the sticks. Rovman Powell drives this to mid-off and takes one.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Another skiddy delivery, on a length, on the middle and leg. Rovman Powell looks to tuck but misses and wears on the pad. Half an appeal from the bowler was turned down. Mitchell Marsh has a word with the bowler and the keeper, takes the review. The replays show an inside edge off the bat onto the pad, and Rovman Powell survives. Australia lose the review.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, On a good length, on off. Rovman Powell presses forward and dabs this to backward point.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Pace off on a length, slanting down the leg. Rovman Powell plays and misses. Wide signaled.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Skiddy length ball, keeps a shade low, around off. Rovman Powell plays and misses. 

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Four!

Adam Zampa to Shimron Hetmyer, ! WHAT A SHOT! Floated full, on the middle. Shimron Hetmyer advances and smashes it over the bowler, down the ground for a thumping boundary to close the over.

Shimron Hetmyer walks out to bat.

Adam Zampa to Sherfane Rutherford, AND ! Adam Zampa gets his man! Bowls it full and quick outside off. Sherfane Rutherford looks to drive but ends up slicing toward the backward point fielder, Mitchell Marsh, who takes a simple catch. A handy cameo from Sherfane Rutherford ends early tonight. West Indies are four down and in some trouble now. 

Adam Zampa to Sherfane Rutherford, ! CLEAN STRIKE! Tossed up full, in the slot. Sherfane Rutherford picks the bones out of it and pumps it over the long-on fence for a massive 93m hit.

Adam Zampa to Sherfane Rutherford, Tossed up full, around off. Sherfane Rutherford lifts it off the outer half toward the deep backward point region for a streaky couple.

Adam Zampa to Sherfane Rutherford, Low full toss on off. Sherfane Rutherford drives it off one hand toward extra cover, where Mitchell Marsh makes a fine stop and keeps it to a dot.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, Tosses it full, on off. Rovman Powell heaves it along the ground to wide of long-on for a single.

Time for spin. Here's Adam Zampa.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Slower ball on a length, on off. Rovman Powell taps into covers and takes one. West Indies are 58/3 at the end of the Powerplay.

Sean Abbott to Sherfane Rutherford, Pitched full, around off. Sherfane Rutherford bunts this toward mid-off and takes one. 

Sean Abbott to Sherfane Rutherford, MORE! SMASHED! Short of a good length, on off. Sherfane Rutherford hacks the pull through mid-wicket and picks up back to back boundaries. 

Sean Abbott to Sherfane Rutherford, ! UP AND OVER! On a length, around off. Sherfane Rutherford picks it early and lofts it over the man at mid-on for a lovely boundary. Brings up the 50 for the West Indies.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Skiddy length ball, on the leg pole again. Rovman Powell tucks it toward mid-wicket and takes one.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Slower ball on a length, angling into the leg pole. Rovman Powell looks to flick but misses onto the pad.

Sean Abbott comes into the attack now. 

Aaron Hardie to Sherfane Rutherford, Swing and a miss! The length is pulled back, on off, Rutherford swings to go leg side but fails to connect.

Aaron Hardie to Sherfane Rutherford, ! Width offered and Sherfane Rutherford cashes in! Full and wide on off, Rutherford leans onto it and drives it square of the wicket, beating deep backward point to his left.

Aaron Hardie to Sherfane Rutherford, Going across, on a good length, Sherfane Rutherford jabs at the ball and gets it off the outer half towards backward point where Cameron Green is quick to get across to his right and cut it off.

Aaron Hardie to Rovman Powell, At 130.6 kph, on the off stump, on a length, Rovman Powell glides it to deep backward point for a single to get off the mark.

Aaron Hardie to Rovman Powell, On a good length, outside off, Rovman gets forward and guides it to backward point.

Rovman Powell is in at number 5.

Aaron Hardie to Roston Chase, ! c Glenn Maxwell b Aaron Hardie.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, ! Easy pickings! On the pads, on a length, Sherfane Rutherford picks it with ease and sends it over deep backward square leg for a six.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, Hits the deck hard, outside off, Sherfane swipes it on the bounce to mid-wicket.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, On a hard length, on off, Rutherford plays it to cover.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, A loud shout for LBW but turned down! On a short of a length, on the off stump, SR has a heave across the line but misses and wears it high on the thigh pad.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, ! Nicely done! Angling away, on a good length, Sherfane Rutherford waits on it and steers it with an open bat face to the right of deep point for a boundary.

Sherfane Rutherford walks in at 4. He will face the hat-trick ball.

Xavier Bartlett to Shai Hope, ! CAUGHT! What a difference Xavier Bartlett is making already. First, Brandon King and now, Shai Hope, both Windies' openers back in the hut inside 4 overs.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, Low full toss, on off, Hope knocks it towards cover where it is cut off with a dive. A single taken.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, ! Thumped! Pace taken off by Hardie and he goes into the deck, over off, Shai Hope backs away, holds his shape and flat bats it back past the bowler for a boundary.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, ! Edgy! Hardie looks to go full but ends up serving a low full toss, near the tramline on off, Shai Hope reaches out and gets an inside edge. It sneaks past the off pole and it beats the keeper to his left.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, Kept wide on off, on a length, Shai swings and ends up dragging it towards mid on.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, This is on a back of a length, around off, Shai steers it to short third.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, Hurls it full, on off, Hope firms the drive straight to cover.

Roston Chase walks in at 3.

Xavier Bartlett to Brandon King, ! c Aaron Hardie b Xavier Bartlett.

Xavier Bartlett to Brandon King, ! Nothing streaky about this one! This is clean as a whistle. Xavier Bartlett serves it on a length, on the off stump, King with a clean swing of the arms, deposits it back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Xavier Bartlett to Brandon King, ! Streaky! At 129.7 kph, on a length, outside off, Brandon steps down the track and stays leg side to go through the off side. Flays at it and gets a thickish outside edge that flies over short third.

Xavier Bartlett to Brandon King, Full and drifting onto the pads, King has a swing at it to go big on the leg side. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the front pad. An optimistic shout for LBW but that was always going down leg.

Xavier Bartlett to Shai Hope, Much better! On a good length, on middle, Shai hangs back to block. Gets it off the inner half through backward square leg for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Shai Hope, LEG BYES! Not an ideal start from Xavier Bartlett! Sprays it on the pads, on a length, Hope misses the tickle and the ball clips the thigh pad and races down to the deep fine leg fence.

Xavier Bartlett will share the attack.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, On a back of a length, on middle, BK nudges it to mid-wicket from the crease.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, ! Up and over! Pitched up by Hardie, at the stumps, King advances and stays leg side of the ball. Carves it over backward point and the ball lands just in front of the ropes for four more.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, At 131.6 kph, on a short of a length, outside off, Brandon King swings for the hills but fails to connect and the ball goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, Four!

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, In the channel on off, on a good length, driven on the up to cover by Brandon.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, Play and a miss! Shaping away, on a good length, outside off, King throws his hands at the ball and the ball sneaks under the blade.

All in readiness now.  The teams and the umpires make their way to the middle. It will be the pair of Brandon King and Shai Hope to open the innings for the West Indies. Aaron Hardie will start with the ball for Australia. Let's play...

Time to hear from Romario Shepherd of West Indies. Shepherd mentions that he had a great start with the ball last night, but his third over proved costly. He feels that conceding fewer runs or picking up a wicket in that over might have changed the course of the game. He shares that on this wicket, it is important to be as unpredictable as possible, especially against an in-form Australian batting lineup that enjoys pace and thrives against seamers. Shepherd adds that he'd like to bat higher u

Australia's Nathan Ellis is up for a chat. He says that he tries to take as much info as he can from the first few overs and make decisions depending on boundary sizes and how the batters are going. Adds that, in a series like this, where the games are coming thick and fast, he tries to knock over all the work before the series starts. Adds that he had a month at home, so he did some fine-tuning and was ready to go and he gets better once it does it regularly, as it is about honing the skills,

PITCH REPORT - Daren Ganga is near the pitch and informs that it is the same surface used last night. He mentions that the boundaries are 61 and 64 metres square, with 70 metres straight down the ground. Shakera Selman shares that not much has changed and it's still a really good batting surface. She mentions it will be easy for batters to step out and hit through the line. Adds that yorkers will be a key option for bowlers, while the slower, short and wide delivery could also be effective.

Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie (In for Tim David), Xavier Bartlett (In for Ben Dwarshuis), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Shai Hope (C/WK), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde (In for Gudakesh Motie), Akeal Hosein, Jediah Blades. 

The captain of West Indies, Shai Hope mentions that every time they step onto the field, the aim is always to win. He shares that a 3-2 scoreline looks far better than 5-0 or 4-1, and that remains their main objective now. Hope says they need to execute better with both bat and ball and stresses the importance of finishing well with the bat. He also informs that Matthew Forde comes in for Gudakesh Motie.

Mitchell Marsh, the Australian skipper, wins the toss and opts to bowl. Says that they will not be experimenting, as they are here to win and want to continue that way. Adds that they have been well prepared, and the backroom staff allows them to do so. Closes by sharing that Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie come in for Ben Dwarshuis and Tim David.

TOSS - Australia have won the toss and they will BOWL first.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Aaron Hardie and Nathan Ellis were tidy with the ball, with Hardie finishing with two wickets while Ellis remained wicketless but conceded just 21 runs in his four overs. Australia have chased quite convincingly in all three games so far and will back themselves to hunt down the total for the fourth time in a row. With the outfield a bit damp after the rain, it could be tricky for the Windies bowlers to get a proper grip on the ball. Back in a bit for the chase.

Australia did well to snuff out each of those threats before they could turn into something substantial heading into the death overs. Jason Holder and Matthew Forde got together and looked like they could deliver the final flourish their team had been lacking all series, but it wasn’t to be as both perished at inopportune moments. As a result, West Indies managed only 41 runs in the last five overs, finishing on 204 and once again leaving a few runs out there.

Wickets in the Powerplay had eluded Australia, with just one scalp across the first two games. Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie led the course correction, maintaining a consistent 6-8 metre length, with Bartlett striking crucially to remove both in-form West Indies openers. In the middle phase, West Indies kept going hard through Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd, but none could carry on and make it count.

Just 2 runs from the final over and it turns out to be the most economical over of the innings. Quite a strange innings from the West Indies, one that promised a lot considering the starts the Windies batters got for themselves, but no one could go on and make it big. Australia kept plugging away at the wickets and you'd think they will be the happier of the two sides. 

Nathan Ellis to Akeal Hosein, A single to end the innings! Pitched full, around off. Akeal Hosein clears the front leg and drills this to mid-off for one. West Indies finish with 205/9.

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, Slower ball on the full, around off. Jediah Blades swings hard and miscues it toward point for one.

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, No run.

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, Short of a length delivery, just outside off. Jediah Blades looks to pull but misses.

We are back. The two umpires and players make their way out to the centre. Nathan Ellis is at the top of his mark and has 4 balls left in the over. Jediah Blades to face.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

UPDATE - Right then, the rain has subsided and the covers are coming off.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

UPDATE - It has stopped raining. The covers are still in place for now, but it shouldn’t be long before they are removed.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

UPDATE - 12.53 am GMT - Good news! The intensity of the rain has eased, and the ground staff are hovering near the covers, ready to take them off as soon as it stops completely. Stay tuned!

UPDATE - 12.50 am GMT - It is still raining steadily, but Daren Ganga informs us that the drainage at the venue is excellent. There is a 60-minute buffer before overs start getting lost. Fingers crossed the rain eases off soon.

Well, the drizzle has picked up and the covers are being brought on. The ground staff are quick to cover the surface and the square. There is a strong breeze blowing across, so hopefully, it will blow away the rain soon. Stick around!

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, Skiddy back of a length, just outside off. Jediah Blades hangs back and dabs it to the right of the keeper.

Nathan Ellis to Jediah Blades, Slower ball on a length, around off. Jediah Blades swings and misses.

-

Adam Zampa to Akeal Hosein, ! BRUTE FORCE! Tossed up full, in the slot. Hosein clears the front leg and smokes it over long-on for a biggie. Brings up 200 for the home side.

Adam Zampa to Akeal Hosein, Fuller googly, around off. Akeal Hosein swings and misses.

Adam Zampa to Jediah Blades, Flatter leggie, around off. Blades knocks it toward deep point for one.

Adam Zampa to Akeal Hosein, Fired in on the middle and leg. Akeal Hosein heaves it toward deep square leg for one.

Adam Zampa to Jediah Blades, Tossed up on middle. Jediah Blades turns it off the inner half toward mid-wicket for one.

Jediah Blades is the last man.

Adam Zampa to Jason Holder, ! BOWLED'EM! Adam Zampa gets his third! Fuller googly, on the middle and leg stump line. Jason Holder looks to thrash it through covers but gets the inside edge that clatters onto the stumps. West Indies are nine down and in danger of not playing his overs.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, Low full toss at the stumps, driven along the ground to long-on for one.

Halt! Jason Holder gets hit near the Adam's apple and the physio is out to check on him. Holder is good to go.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, No run.

Xavier Bartlett to Akeal Hosein, Nails the yorker, on off, Akeal digs it out in front of cover for one.

Xavier Bartlett to Akeal Hosein, 2 runs.

Xavier Bartlett to Akeal Hosein, Four!

Xavier Bartlett to Akeal Hosein, No run.

Sean Abbott to Akeal Hosein, On a length, around off. Pushed into covers for one.

Sean Abbott to Akeal Hosein, WIDE! Banged short and well over the batter. Akeal Hosein ducks and lets it go. Wide signaled.

Sean Abbott to Akeal Hosein, Short of a length, on off. Akeal Hosein hops and drops it uppishly into the off-side.

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, ! c Cameron Green b Sean Abbott.

Akeal Hosein is in next.

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, WIDE! Back of a length, well outside the tramline. Matthew Forde moves across for the pull but misses. Wide signaled.

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, No run.

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, MORE! CLEVER AND EFFECTIVE! Pitched full, around off. Matthew Forde shuffles across and ramps it over fine leg for a cheeky maximum. 

Sean Abbott to Matthew Forde, ! SMOKED! Fuller than a length, around off. Matthew Forde clears the front leg and thumps it over wide long-off for a biggie.

Nathan Ellis to Jason Holder, Back of a length on the middle and leg. Jason Holder looks to tuck but misses onto the pad.

Nathan Ellis to Jason Holder, Slower ball on a length, on off. Jason Holder dabs this to point.

Nathan Ellis to Jason Holder, ! Over the top! On a length, around off. Jason Holder makes room and smashes it toward the deep extra cover region. One bounce and into the boundary.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Forde, Skiddy length ball, around off. Forde guides it off the outer edge toward deep third for one.

Nathan Ellis to Jason Holder, Full and at the stumps. Jason Holder drives it down to long-on for a single.

Nathan Ellis to Matthew Forde, On a length, on the leg pole. Matthew Forde turns it round the corner for one.

Adam Zampa to Jason Holder, ! Good hit! Floated up, fuller and slower, outside off, Holder walks across, gets low and clobbers it to the right of long on for a flat six.

Adam Zampa to Jason Holder, Short and on off, pushed to point by Holder.

Adam Zampa to Jason Holder, ! In the gap! Pushed through, short and outside off, Holder goes hard on the cut and gets it off the outer half. Beats the diving short third fielder to his right for a boundary.

Matthew Forde walks in at 9.

Adam Zampa to Matthew Forde, 1 run.

Adam Zampa to Romario Shepherd, ! CAUGHT! WOW! Extraordinary athleticism by Glenn Maxwell!

Adam Zampa to Romario Shepherd, Flat and short, outside off, Romario Shepherd flashes at the delivery but misses.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, A loud shout for LBW! The umpire walks away and this looks to be sliding down leg. Gets the yorker in, does Xavier, on middle and leg, Holder is late in bringing his bat down and gets hit on the left boot.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, ! Innovative and effective! Dug in short by Xavier Bartlett, outside off, Jason Holder walks across and the ball does get a bit big on him. Ducks a bit whilst playing the shot and paddles it down to deep fine leg for a four.

Xavier Bartlett to Romario Shepherd, Very full, outside off, RS jams it out past cover for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Romario Shepherd, No run.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, Slower and on a back of a length, on off, Jason guides it in front of short third for one.

Xavier Bartlett to Jason Holder, ! Gets it through! This is on a length, on middle and leg, Jason Holder takes a couple of steps down the track and drills it down the ground back past the bowler. The long on fielder sprints and tumbles to his left but the ball beats him.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, This sneaks just inside the tramline, on the fuller side, Romario looks to squeeze it out but misses. There is a sound once again but it is of the bat hitting the turf.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, Wide!

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, ! Hammered! Off-pace delivery by Sean Abbott, short and almost beyond the tramline on off, Romario takes a step closer to the line of the ball and reaches out to slap it over extra cover for a biggie.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, ! Superb shot! Sean Abbott executes the wide yorker, Romario Shepherd takes a step across and uses the pace on the ball by opening the face. Carves it towards deep backward point for a boundary. To make matters worse for Sean, it is a NO BALL for overstepping. Free Hit coming up.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, Oh, wow! On a back of a length, on middle, Romario Shepherd swivels and pulls it on the bounce to the right of deep mid-wicket. Xavier Bartlett moves to his right in the deep and pushes the ball away from the fence before going over the ropes. It is cut off by the fielder convering from deep square leg. Two runs taken.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, Short in length and no pace offered, outside off, Romario Shepherd drops his wrists and lets the ball go.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, ! Up and over! Wide on off, Romario Shepherd extends his hands and takes it on the full. Lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, ! Not exactly where he intended but Romario Shepherd will take it! The wide yorker is nailed by Sean, Romario gets his bat down and it gets squirted off the toe end to the left of short third for a boundary.

Aaron Hardie to Romario Shepherd, Slower and fuller, outside off, RS slices it to deep point for a single. A fine over from Hardie. A wicket and just 2 runs off it.

Aaron Hardie to Romario Shepherd, Hurls it on a good length, just outside the off stump, Romario Shepherd defends inside the line and gets beaten.

Aaron Hardie to Romario Shepherd, Pitched up, on off, driven straight to mid off.

Aaron Hardie to Jason Holder, On off, on a short of a length, Holder runs it down to deep third for a single.

Jason Holder walks in at 8.

Aaron Hardie to Jason Holder, On a good length, in the channel on off, Holder shapes up to play it fine with an open bat face but misses.

Aaron Hardie to Rovman Powell, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Aaron Hardie strikes on his return to the attack!

Nathan Ellis to Romario Shepherd, On off, on a good length, defended with a straight bat by Romario.

Nathan Ellis to Romario Shepherd, ! Off the top edge! Banged in short by Nathan, around the right shoulder, Romario Shepherd swivels for the pull. Gets a top edge that goes fine of the man at deep third.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Full and on middle, Powell ekes out an inside edge onto the pads. They cross as the ball rolls on the leg side.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, No run.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, 2 Leg byes.

Nathan Ellis to Romario Shepherd, Starts with the back-of-the-hand slower delivery, on a short of a length, Romario Shepherd drops it down in front of backward point for one.

Sean Abbott to Romario Shepherd, Back of a length, around off. Romario Shepherd punches it to deep third and takes one.

DRINKS! Just as things were beginning to look up for West Indies, they have lost Shimron Hetmyer. It has been the story of their innings where they have kept going hard but have lost wickets at key moments. Australia have struck back every time, and the bowlers have been backed up in the field. West Indies now need Rovman Powell to bat deep and ideally anchor the finish. Romario Shepherd joins Powell out in the middle.

Sean Abbott to Shimron Hetmyer, ! c Mitchell Owen b Sean Abbott.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Fuller than a length, on the middle and leg. Rovman Powell knocks it toward extra cover and picks one.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, On a hard length, on middle. Rovman Powell defends it onto the pitch.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, ! THAT'S GONE LIKE A BULLET! Pitched full, around off. Rovman Powell stays deep in the crease and drills it through extra cover for a cracking boundary.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Slower bumper, around off, and well over the batter. Rovman Powell lets it go. Wide signaled.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Six!

Adam Zampa to Shimron Hetmyer, Flatter and quicker googly, around off. Shimron Hetmyer goes back and knocks it to the left of Zampa.

Adam Zampa to Shimron Hetmyer, Six!

Adam Zampa to Shimron Hetmyer, ! THAT'S TA HERE! Floated full, on the middle and leg. Shimron Hetmyer gets on his knee and smashes it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, Tossed up full, just outside off. Rovman Powell eases the drive toward extra cover for one.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, Flighted full, around off. Rovman Powell is low to slog across the line but gets the inside edge onto the pad.

It looks like we have lost the ball. The fourth umpire is out with the box of balls.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, ! OVER THE ROOF! Tossed up full, on off. Rovman Powell gets low and smokes it over the long-on fence for a colossal hit. That went 102m and out of the park.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Floated full, and outside the tramline again. Rovman Powell leaves it alone. Another wide.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, Wide!

Nathan Ellis to Shimron Hetmyer, Pace off delivery on a length, angling across. Shimron Hetmyer flays and misses.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Pitched full, at the sticks. Rovman Powell drives this to mid-off and takes one.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Another skiddy delivery, on a length, on the middle and leg. Rovman Powell looks to tuck but misses and wears on the pad. Half an appeal from the bowler was turned down. Mitchell Marsh has a word with the bowler and the keeper, takes the review. The replays show an inside edge off the bat onto the pad, and Rovman Powell survives. Australia lose the review.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, On a good length, on off. Rovman Powell presses forward and dabs this to backward point.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Pace off on a length, slanting down the leg. Rovman Powell plays and misses. Wide signaled.

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Skiddy length ball, keeps a shade low, around off. Rovman Powell plays and misses. 

Nathan Ellis to Rovman Powell, Four!

Adam Zampa to Shimron Hetmyer, ! WHAT A SHOT! Floated full, on the middle. Shimron Hetmyer advances and smashes it over the bowler, down the ground for a thumping boundary to close the over.

Shimron Hetmyer walks out to bat.

Adam Zampa to Sherfane Rutherford, AND ! Adam Zampa gets his man! Bowls it full and quick outside off. Sherfane Rutherford looks to drive but ends up slicing toward the backward point fielder, Mitchell Marsh, who takes a simple catch. A handy cameo from Sherfane Rutherford ends early tonight. West Indies are four down and in some trouble now. 

Adam Zampa to Sherfane Rutherford, ! CLEAN STRIKE! Tossed up full, in the slot. Sherfane Rutherford picks the bones out of it and pumps it over the long-on fence for a massive 93m hit.

Adam Zampa to Sherfane Rutherford, Tossed up full, around off. Sherfane Rutherford lifts it off the outer half toward the deep backward point region for a streaky couple.

Adam Zampa to Sherfane Rutherford, Low full toss on off. Sherfane Rutherford drives it off one hand toward extra cover, where Mitchell Marsh makes a fine stop and keeps it to a dot.

Adam Zampa to Rovman Powell, Tosses it full, on off. Rovman Powell heaves it along the ground to wide of long-on for a single.

Time for spin. Here's Adam Zampa.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Slower ball on a length, on off. Rovman Powell taps into covers and takes one. West Indies are 58/3 at the end of the Powerplay.

Sean Abbott to Sherfane Rutherford, Pitched full, around off. Sherfane Rutherford bunts this toward mid-off and takes one. 

Sean Abbott to Sherfane Rutherford, MORE! SMASHED! Short of a good length, on off. Sherfane Rutherford hacks the pull through mid-wicket and picks up back to back boundaries. 

Sean Abbott to Sherfane Rutherford, ! UP AND OVER! On a length, around off. Sherfane Rutherford picks it early and lofts it over the man at mid-on for a lovely boundary. Brings up the 50 for the West Indies.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Skiddy length ball, on the leg pole again. Rovman Powell tucks it toward mid-wicket and takes one.

Sean Abbott to Rovman Powell, Slower ball on a length, angling into the leg pole. Rovman Powell looks to flick but misses onto the pad.

Sean Abbott comes into the attack now. 

Aaron Hardie to Sherfane Rutherford, Swing and a miss! The length is pulled back, on off, Rutherford swings to go leg side but fails to connect.

Aaron Hardie to Sherfane Rutherford, ! Width offered and Sherfane Rutherford cashes in! Full and wide on off, Rutherford leans onto it and drives it square of the wicket, beating deep backward point to his left.

Aaron Hardie to Sherfane Rutherford, Going across, on a good length, Sherfane Rutherford jabs at the ball and gets it off the outer half towards backward point where Cameron Green is quick to get across to his right and cut it off.

Aaron Hardie to Rovman Powell, At 130.6 kph, on the off stump, on a length, Rovman Powell glides it to deep backward point for a single to get off the mark.

Aaron Hardie to Rovman Powell, On a good length, outside off, Rovman gets forward and guides it to backward point.

Rovman Powell is in at number 5.

Aaron Hardie to Roston Chase, ! c Glenn Maxwell b Aaron Hardie.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, ! Easy pickings! On the pads, on a length, Sherfane Rutherford picks it with ease and sends it over deep backward square leg for a six.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, Hits the deck hard, outside off, Sherfane swipes it on the bounce to mid-wicket.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, On a hard length, on off, Rutherford plays it to cover.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, A loud shout for LBW but turned down! On a short of a length, on the off stump, SR has a heave across the line but misses and wears it high on the thigh pad.

Xavier Bartlett to Sherfane Rutherford, ! Nicely done! Angling away, on a good length, Sherfane Rutherford waits on it and steers it with an open bat face to the right of deep point for a boundary.

Sherfane Rutherford walks in at 4. He will face the hat-trick ball.

Xavier Bartlett to Shai Hope, ! CAUGHT! What a difference Xavier Bartlett is making already. First, Brandon King and now, Shai Hope, both Windies' openers back in the hut inside 4 overs.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, Low full toss, on off, Hope knocks it towards cover where it is cut off with a dive. A single taken.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, ! Thumped! Pace taken off by Hardie and he goes into the deck, over off, Shai Hope backs away, holds his shape and flat bats it back past the bowler for a boundary.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, ! Edgy! Hardie looks to go full but ends up serving a low full toss, near the tramline on off, Shai Hope reaches out and gets an inside edge. It sneaks past the off pole and it beats the keeper to his left.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, Kept wide on off, on a length, Shai swings and ends up dragging it towards mid on.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, This is on a back of a length, around off, Shai steers it to short third.

Aaron Hardie to Shai Hope, Hurls it full, on off, Hope firms the drive straight to cover.

Roston Chase walks in at 3.

Xavier Bartlett to Brandon King, ! c Aaron Hardie b Xavier Bartlett.

Xavier Bartlett to Brandon King, ! Nothing streaky about this one! This is clean as a whistle. Xavier Bartlett serves it on a length, on the off stump, King with a clean swing of the arms, deposits it back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Xavier Bartlett to Brandon King, ! Streaky! At 129.7 kph, on a length, outside off, Brandon steps down the track and stays leg side to go through the off side. Flays at it and gets a thickish outside edge that flies over short third.

Xavier Bartlett to Brandon King, Full and drifting onto the pads, King has a swing at it to go big on the leg side. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the front pad. An optimistic shout for LBW but that was always going down leg.

Xavier Bartlett to Shai Hope, Much better! On a good length, on middle, Shai hangs back to block. Gets it off the inner half through backward square leg for a single.

Xavier Bartlett to Shai Hope, LEG BYES! Not an ideal start from Xavier Bartlett! Sprays it on the pads, on a length, Hope misses the tickle and the ball clips the thigh pad and races down to the deep fine leg fence.

Xavier Bartlett will share the attack.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, On a back of a length, on middle, BK nudges it to mid-wicket from the crease.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, ! Up and over! Pitched up by Hardie, at the stumps, King advances and stays leg side of the ball. Carves it over backward point and the ball lands just in front of the ropes for four more.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, At 131.6 kph, on a short of a length, outside off, Brandon King swings for the hills but fails to connect and the ball goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, Four!

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, In the channel on off, on a good length, driven on the up to cover by Brandon.

Aaron Hardie to Brandon King, Play and a miss! Shaping away, on a good length, outside off, King throws his hands at the ball and the ball sneaks under the blade.

All in readiness now.  The teams and the umpires make their way to the middle. It will be the pair of Brandon King and Shai Hope to open the innings for the West Indies. Aaron Hardie will start with the ball for Australia. Let's play...

Time to hear from Romario Shepherd of West Indies. Shepherd mentions that he had a great start with the ball last night, but his third over proved costly. He feels that conceding fewer runs or picking up a wicket in that over might have changed the course of the game. He shares that on this wicket, it is important to be as unpredictable as possible, especially against an in-form Australian batting lineup that enjoys pace and thrives against seamers. Shepherd adds that he'd like to bat higher u

Australia's Nathan Ellis is up for a chat. He says that he tries to take as much info as he can from the first few overs and make decisions depending on boundary sizes and how the batters are going. Adds that, in a series like this, where the games are coming thick and fast, he tries to knock over all the work before the series starts. Adds that he had a month at home, so he did some fine-tuning and was ready to go and he gets better once it does it regularly, as it is about honing the skills,

PITCH REPORT - Daren Ganga is near the pitch and informs that it is the same surface used last night. He mentions that the boundaries are 61 and 64 metres square, with 70 metres straight down the ground. Shakera Selman shares that not much has changed and it's still a really good batting surface. She mentions it will be easy for batters to step out and hit through the line. Adds that yorkers will be a key option for bowlers, while the slower, short and wide delivery could also be effective.

Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Cameron Green, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie (In for Tim David), Xavier Bartlett (In for Ben Dwarshuis), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Shai Hope (C/WK), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde (In for Gudakesh Motie), Akeal Hosein, Jediah Blades. 

The captain of West Indies, Shai Hope mentions that every time they step onto the field, the aim is always to win. He shares that a 3-2 scoreline looks far better than 5-0 or 4-1, and that remains their main objective now. Hope says they need to execute better with both bat and ball and stresses the importance of finishing well with the bat. He also informs that Matthew Forde comes in for Gudakesh Motie.

Mitchell Marsh, the Australian skipper, wins the toss and opts to bowl. Says that they will not be experimenting, as they are here to win and want to continue that way. Adds that they have been well prepared, and the backroom staff allows them to do so. Closes by sharing that Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie come in for Ben Dwarshuis and Tim David.

TOSS - Australia have won the toss and they will BOWL first.