Warner and Smith to feature against West Indies on Wednesday
Australian cricketers Steve Smith and David Warner will be the cynosure of all eyes, when their side takes on West Indies in a warm-up encounter on Wednesday. This game will be crucial in terms of preparation ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. Both these players are set to make their first appearance on UK soil since the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa.
Warner and Smith will look to build on current form
Warner was seen in supreme form in the Indian Premier League 2019. He won the Orange Cap for scoring the most number of runs. Smith also looked in good touch in IPL 12. He then showed his class in the warm-up encounters against New Zealand XI. The two players will hope to deliver the goods against the Windies in Hampshire on Wednesday.
Smith and Warner will face a hostile reception
Smith and Warner are set to face a hostile reception from the crowd. It remains to be seen how Wednesday pans out. England cricketer Moeen Ali urged fans not to get too personal with them. "I really hope they don't get too much stick. I want them to enjoy the series. If you have to, keep it funny, not personal," Ali told The Guardian.
Australia agree to play against WI
Aussies were supposed to play their first warm-up encounter against England on Saturday. But the Windies requested an extra warm-up game. This request was made to give those players game time, who had joined late after the IPL 2019 season. WI want these cricketers to be mentally prepared. Australia agreed to play this extra game.
WI thank Australia for agreeing
"We are very grateful to Hampshire CCC for agreeing to host us at the Ageas Bowl, and to Cricket Australia for agreeing the additional warm-up game. This is the first time that our entire World Cup squad can get together," said Johnny Grave.
A strong warm-up contest on offer
One expects a cracking contest between bat and ball. Aussies are in strong form since March 2019 and they will want to continue with the momentum. Windies get back their full squad together. The likes of Chris Gayle and Andre Russell will look to flex their muscles. The idea for both teams will be to maximize from the time spent out in the middle.
