Australia lost their unblemished Caribbean tour record as the West Indies completed a seven-wicket victory in a rain-affected Twenty20 International on Friday.
Defending a victory target of 98 from 11 overs, Australia failed to keep a lid on the West Indies, and the home team won with 11 balls to spare, when Dwayne Bravo scooped a short, rising ball from Shane Watson over mid-wicket for six.
Australia’s bowlers were under the cosh from the outset with Xavier Marshall smashing three fours and three sixes in 36 from 15 balls to get his side off to a flourishing start.
PHOTO: AP
Australia’s new-ball pair of Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson were battered into submission, when Marshall put on 53 from 21 balls with international newcomer William Perkins for the opening stand.
The Australians then grabbed three wickets in the space of 13 balls to leave West Indies 64 for three.
But Bravo struck 28 from 15 balls to lead West Indies to their target.
Play started almost two-and-a-half hours late because of rain that fell throughout the day in the island and the match was reduced to 11 overs-a-side.
Australia got away to an enterprising start, when Shaun Marsh and Luke Ronchi put on 57 for the first wicket.
Ronchi led the way with 36 from 22 balls and Marsh supported with 29 from 22 balls, but Australia lost three wickets in the space of 14 balls and this slowed their progress.
International newcomer Kemar Roach was the most successful West Indies bowler with two wickets for 29 runs from three overs.
The two sides now face each other in a five-match one-day international series, starting on Tuesday at Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St. Vincent.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely