Australia vs West Indies: ODI Records and Stats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

After the intriguing Test series between Australia and the West Indies, the action will now shift to a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series between both sides. The first ODI will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It will be Australia’s first one-day game after their scintillating 2023 World Cup victory. 

The Test series between both teams kicked off with the first Test in Adelaide. The Aussies registered a comfortable ten-wicket win in the opening game but in the second Test at the Gabba, the visitors stunned the hosts, registering an eight-run victory and ending the series at a stalemate. It was the Caribbean side’s first Test win on Australian soil in 27 years. The West Indies and India are the only sides who have won a Test match against Australia at the Gabba in 35 years. 

Following the sensational triumph, the Windies team will strive to do wonders in the white-ball series as well. The Australian team will look to forget their second Test defeat and start the series with a win at the MCG. However, before the start of the series, it’s essential to have a look at the stats of both teams at this iconic stadium. 

Australia versus West Indies head-to-head record in ODIs

Australia and the West Indies have confronted each other in the ODI format 143 times. The Aussies have the upper hand over the Caribbean team with 76 times while the latter have emerged victorious in 61 contests.

Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch report

MCG is known for being difficult for batters as long boundaries provide an advantage to the bowlers. Talking about the surface, it is best known for assisting pacers. In the upcoming contest at the iconic venue, speedsters might dominate the game. 

ODI records and stats at the MCG 

MCG has hosted a total of 150 ODI games of which 73 are won by the team batting first while 73 have been won by teams bowling first. The highest total in the ground is Australia’s 355 against England in 2022 while the lowest total is England’s 94 against the Aussies in 1979.

Players to watch out for in the Australia versus West Indies contest

Australia

Travis Head might pose a threat to the West Indies as his record is decent in Melbourne. Appearing in four matches, the southpaw has notched up 223 runs in four innings at an average of 55.75. His best ODI score of 152 came at this venue in 2022 against England. West Indies need to be wary of Head as his recent one-day numbers are fabulous. In Australia’s record-extending sixth title win, Head played a vital role with his bat, hitting 329 runs in six matches with the best score of 137 against India in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

West Indies

West Indies have young and new faces in their side and have an opportunity to perform well against the world champions and prove themselves. Skipper Shai Hope is the most experienced player in the squad and he can utilise his experience to outclass the Aussie team. Hope’s ODI batting numbers against Australia are decent as he has scored 120 runs in three matches at an average of 40.00.   

Australia versus West Indies predicted playing XI

Australia

Travis Head, Cameron Green, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Will Sutherland, Josh Inglis (WK), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Matt Short, Xavier Barlett

West Indies

Alick Athanaze, Kjorn Ottley, Teddy Bishop, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c)/ (wk), Roston Chase, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr