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Australia 7 for 329 (Watson 122, Hughes 86) v West Indies
Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes prospered, though in contrasting styles © Getty Images
Contrasting innings by Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes lifted Australia to 7 for 329 against the West Indies in the third ODI, on an afternoon that also witnessed a Kieron Pollard catch that will be remembered long after this match is forgotten.
Seeking a victory to close out the series 3-0, the hosts were given the ideal start with their captain Michael Clarke's success at the toss, allowing Watson and Hughes a fine afternoon for batting on a most amiable Manuka Oval pitch.
Watson's contribution was a significant performance on his return to the team as a non-bowling batsman, illustrating the extra value he may be able to provide if no longer distracted by thoughts of allround duty. Phillip Hughes made a more circumspect start and offered a difficult chance from the bowling of Sunil Narine, but showed his knack for fashioning substantial innings.
George Bailey clattered 44 from a mere 22 balls, including one ungainly but effective rendition of the ramp shot, while Glenn Maxwell's brief stay was ended by Pollard's extraordinary catch at deep midwicket. Maxwell's slog sweep was struck true and flat, but Pollard leapt on the boundary's edge and held it in his outstretched hand, at once saving a six and claiming a wicket.
Save for a few decent overs from Narine, rest of the West Indies bowling was unthreatening, the recalled Andre Russell taken for 41 from five overs. Their batsmen were left with plenty to do if they are to keep the visitors in contention for the series.
Manuka's turf provided Watson with a chance to play himself into form at the top of the Australian batting order ahead of the Test tour of India, and he was soon in firm touch, punching down the ground with comfort and also cutting profitably.
Aaron Finch was also crisp in his strokeplay, flicking neatly to the midwicket fence more than once, and the runs arrived at pace without either batsman taking many risks. Having made a halting start to his ODI career, Finch looked capable of a major score, but soon after Watson passed 50 he gave his innings away with a dainty dab from Sammy into the gloves of Devon Thomas standing up to the stumps.
The wicket brought a downturn in the run-rate - despite a duo of Sammy no-balls, the first of which was called rather harshly by the umpire Asad Rauf - as Hughes battled to settle in. A little circumspect as he neared his century, Watson reached it confidently then accelerated, swinging lustily for a pair of sixes before he was pouched at deep backward square leg.
Hughes' innings grew steadily in fluency and speed, mirroring Bailey's Perth effort in terms of the skill of building a score from a shaky base. Michael Clarke fell cheaply, but it was a surprise when Hughes edged Narine behind short of a century, the catch completed by Devon Thomas via thigh as well as glove after the wicketkeeper had earlier been struck a painful blow on the thumb.
Bailey's late hitting ensured the total would go comfortably past 300, though the friendliness of the pitch means the West Indies are not entirely without hope.
Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes prospered, though in contrasting styles © Getty Images
Contrasting innings by Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes lifted Australia to 7 for 329 against the West Indies in the third ODI, on an afternoon that also witnessed a Kieron Pollard catch that will be remembered long after this match is forgotten.
Seeking a victory to close out the series 3-0, the hosts were given the ideal start with their captain Michael Clarke's success at the toss, allowing Watson and Hughes a fine afternoon for batting on a most amiable Manuka Oval pitch.
Watson's contribution was a significant performance on his return to the team as a non-bowling batsman, illustrating the extra value he may be able to provide if no longer distracted by thoughts of allround duty. Phillip Hughes made a more circumspect start and offered a difficult chance from the bowling of Sunil Narine, but showed his knack for fashioning substantial innings.
George Bailey clattered 44 from a mere 22 balls, including one ungainly but effective rendition of the ramp shot, while Glenn Maxwell's brief stay was ended by Pollard's extraordinary catch at deep midwicket. Maxwell's slog sweep was struck true and flat, but Pollard leapt on the boundary's edge and held it in his outstretched hand, at once saving a six and claiming a wicket.
Save for a few decent overs from Narine, rest of the West Indies bowling was unthreatening, the recalled Andre Russell taken for 41 from five overs. Their batsmen were left with plenty to do if they are to keep the visitors in contention for the series.
Manuka's turf provided Watson with a chance to play himself into form at the top of the Australian batting order ahead of the Test tour of India, and he was soon in firm touch, punching down the ground with comfort and also cutting profitably.
Aaron Finch was also crisp in his strokeplay, flicking neatly to the midwicket fence more than once, and the runs arrived at pace without either batsman taking many risks. Having made a halting start to his ODI career, Finch looked capable of a major score, but soon after Watson passed 50 he gave his innings away with a dainty dab from Sammy into the gloves of Devon Thomas standing up to the stumps.
The wicket brought a downturn in the run-rate - despite a duo of Sammy no-balls, the first of which was called rather harshly by the umpire Asad Rauf - as Hughes battled to settle in. A little circumspect as he neared his century, Watson reached it confidently then accelerated, swinging lustily for a pair of sixes before he was pouched at deep backward square leg.
Hughes' innings grew steadily in fluency and speed, mirroring Bailey's Perth effort in terms of the skill of building a score from a shaky base. Michael Clarke fell cheaply, but it was a surprise when Hughes edged Narine behind short of a century, the catch completed by Devon Thomas via thigh as well as glove after the wicketkeeper had earlier been struck a painful blow on the thumb.
Bailey's late hitting ensured the total would go comfortably past 300, though the friendliness of the pitch means the West Indies are not entirely without hope.