West Indies vs Australia - 1st ODI - 2nd Feb 2024

After a drawn test match can the West Indies hold their own in the ODI series? Both teams have a solid lineup, record and fan base. Let’s dive into the odds, the strengths and weaknesses of each team, and the key players to watch out for.

TLDR: Australia is favoured by the bookies, but the West Indies has a chance to upset them with their explosive batting and bowling.

Why I think the Aussies will get up

The first One Day International Cricket game between Australia and West Indies is just around the corner at the SCG on Sunday 4th February 2024. I have a strong feeling that the Aussies will come out on top. Here are some of the reasons why I think so:

Basically their form in the last World Cup solidified them as the No. 1 team in the world.
The Aussies have a more balanced and experienced squad, with players like Steve Smith(VC), Pat Cummins(C) and Mitchell Starc leading the way.
The West Indies have been struggling with injuries and inconsistency, especially in their bowling department. They will miss the services of Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas, who are all out with various ailments. There’s also the opportunity to see Shamar Joseph again!
The Aussies have a better record against the West Indies in recent times, winning 10 out of the last 12 ODIs between them. They also have a psychological edge, having beaten them in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup.

I have a strong gut feeling that the Aussies have a clear advantage over the West Indies in this game, and they will prove it on the field. I’m looking forward to seeing some exciting cricket and cheering for my fave team.

Who to watch: Mitchell Starc

Position:

Jersey #: 56

The left-arm fast bowler is one of the most lethal weapons in Australia’s arsenal. He has taken 264 wickets in 63 ODIs, with an average of 21.44 and a strike rate of 24.9. He can swing the ball both ways, bowl yorkers at will, and generate pace and bounce on any surface. He has a formidable record against the West Indies, having taken 22 wickets in 10 matches, including a career-best 6/43 in the 2019 World Cup. Watch out for his fiery spells and match-winning abilities in the upcoming series.

Why I think the Windies will get up

Like me, many fans are wondering who will come out on top. While the Aussies are the favourites according to the bookies, I have a feeling that the Windies could pull off a surprise victory. Here are some of the reasons why:

The Windies have a strong batting line-up, with players like Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard who can score big runs and hit boundaries at will.
The Windies also have a balanced bowling attack, with pace, spin and variations. Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Fabian Allen are some of the bowlers who can trouble the Australian batsmen.
The West Indies will also be motivated to prove themselves after losing the Test Trophy series to Australia.

I think the Windies could have what it takes to upset the Aussies in the first ODI. It might be a close and exciting contest, but I’m going to swing a few bucks on Windies to win by a narrow margin.

Who to watch: Shamar Joseph

Position: Fast pace Bowler

Jersey #: 17

The 24-year-old left-arm seamer was the hero of West Indies’ historic Test win in Australia, taking seven wickets in the match. He has also impressed in the shorter format, with his pace and swing troubling the batsmen. He took 3/28 in the first T20I against Australia, and will be keen to repeat his performance in the ODI series. Watch out for his accuracy and variation in the powerplay and death overs.

What do the bookies say?

The bookies have Australia as the clear favourites to win the first ODI against West Indies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, 02 February 2024. According to Sky Bet, Australia are priced at 1/4, while West Indies are at 14/1. The draw is at 5/1. Betfair has similar odds, with Australia at 1.62, West Indies at 2.25 and the tie at 41.0. Ladbrokes and Bet365 also favour Australia, with odds of 1/5 and 2/9 respectively. West Indies are at 10/3 and 11/4, while the draw is at 6/1 and 13/2.

Here is a table of odds from different Australian bookmakers:

Bookmaker	Australia	Draw	West Indies
Sky Bet	1/4	5/1	14/1
Betfair	1.62	41.0	2.25
Ladbrokes	1/5	6/1	10/3
Bet365	2/9	13/2	11/4

On paper Australia are looking like the clear favourites but who knows what will happen on the day. There’s 3 games to play by the way!

The Bottom Line

The first ODI between Australia and West Indies promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams having some of the best players in the world. The bookies are favouring Australia, who have a more balanced and experienced squad, and who have won their last five ODI series. However, West Indies are not to be underestimated, as they have some explosive batsmen and lethal bowlers, who can turn the game on its head. The pitch and weather conditions will also play a role in the outcome of the match.

If you are looking for a safe bet, you might want to back Australia, who have a proven track record and a slight edge over West Indies. However, if you are feeling adventurous, you might want to take a chance on the West Indies, who have the potential to pull off an upset.

Disclaimer: Either way, you should be careful with your money and only bet what you can afford to lose. Online sports betting is a risky activity and you should do your own research before placing any bets. What could you be buying instead?