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AUSTRALIA VS WEST INDIES FIRST ODI

After a surprisingly competitive test series, Australia and the West Indies now turn their attention to the white ball formats, kicking off with the first of a three match ODI series at the MCG on Friday. This will be the Aussies' first ODI since lifting the World Cup in November, however the squad is barely recognisable with Pat Cummins, David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood all missing for various reasons, allowing opportunities for fringe players such as Matt Short, Aaron Hardie and Lance Morris as well as exciting youngsters Jake Fraser-McGurk, Will Sutherland and Xavier Bartlett. The Windies won't be able to call on test hero Shamar Joseph, however they have included the likes of Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves who all showed some promise throughout the Frank Worrell Trophy, while otherwise the squad is packed with short-form specialists including captain Shai Hope, all-rounder Romario Shepherd and legs-spinner Hayden Walsh, although there is no room for talented left-hander Shimron Hetmyer.

Despite the Calypso Kings' famous win at the Gabba and the fact the Australians are without several first-choice players, the hosts remain heavy favourites for this series opener. A revolving door of player availability always makes it difficult to judge the Windies' recent results in this format, but a 2-1 series win over England in December suggests that we don't want to be steaming in on the short odds about the Aussies, even though they have won 11 of their past 13 ODIs at home, mostly against superior opposition.

The player of the series in that victory over the Three Lions was the skipper Hope who finished 2023 as his sides top run-scorer in this format by some way, amassing 824 runs from 17 innings at the impressive average of 68.66. The consistent 'keeper-batsman has top-scored in five of his past 12 ODIs, including four of his past six so looks great value to lead the way for his side on Friday.

Betting Strategy

BACK: Shai Hope (Top West Indies Batter) at $3.50+ for 1 unit 

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