Skipper Steve Smith and Cameron Green eased Australia to a crushing eight-wicket victory over the West Indies with a dominant 149-run stand in the first one-day international in Melbourne on Friday.
Smith finished on 79 off 79 balls and Green, batting at number three, was 77 not out from 104 balls as Australia cruised to the winning target of 232 with 11.3 overs to spare. Opener Josh Inglis set up the platform with a pulsating 65 off 43 balls, including 10 fours and a six.
It was Australia’s 10th consecutive ODI win, including their World Cup victory in India last year, and the pressure will be on the West Indies to prevent a series clean sweep. “I’ve watched Steve Smith on TV for the last 10 years, to be out there now and be captained by him now is quite surreal.” Green said.
Brief scores
West Indies 231 all out in 48.4 overs (K Carty 88, R Chase 59; X Bartlett 4-17, C Green 2-40) lost to Australia 233-2 in 38.3 overs (S Smith 79*, C Green 77*; M Forde 1-37, G Motie 1-58) by 8 wickets