Russell-Rutherford record stand hands West Indies consolation win
Roston Chase starred with the ball as Australia fell 37 runs short in Perth
Roston Chase starred with the ball as Australia fell 37 runs short in Perth
Scorer: @Thilak_Rama | Commentator: Andrew McGlashan
West Indies win by 37 runs and close the series to 2-1. A very good performance from the visitors. Their recovery with the bat was remarkable through Rutherford and Russell. Australia, led by Warner, made an excellent start to the chase but Chase (the Roston version) was outstanding with the ball and Australia lost all momentum around the mid part of the innings. Shepherd and Joseph also played their part with the ball. Both sides will take plenty from the series - for Australia, some key players will return in New Zealand. Reckon both sides are pretty close to knowing their T20 World Cup 15s. Maybe a spot or two for each to mull over?
Andre Russell is player of the match, but didn't catch his interview. Sorry.
David Warner is player of the series. "It was good to have a break and play the franchise stuff. I've got a lot of time off after the New Zealand series, go to the IPL before we embark on a World Cup in the Caribbean. Was quite surprised an opening bowler 145kph and swings it not trying to get me out. Go the Caribbean, the boundaries aren't too big there. I'm well and truly done, it's time for the youngsters to come through and show their talent."
Rovman Powell "It's a very good feeling to come here and get a win. The Australia team is such a strong team and understands their conditions. The boys showed some heart and courage. We had good plans through the three games but execution let us down. We sat down as a bowling group but 240 runs is too many. It's always good for players to have confidence and we told him [Rutherford] to relax, you are an integral part of the team. As captain going into the World Cup it's a lot of thought and things I need to think about it."
Mitchell Marsh "Thought we were in a great position, went for the kill to try and get a few more wickets. We were on the wrong end of it, fair play to West Indies. We saw that throughout the series, they bat down to No. 10. They are a great unit but thought we played some really good cricket in the first two games. Been nice to see our young guys come in and do well. We'll go to New Zealand next week with a pretty full strength team."
So, that wraps up the home season for Australia's men. But there's plenty more cricket to come, starting with the women's Test match (also in Perth) from Thursday then the men head over to New Zealand for T20Is and Tests. We'll be back to bring you the Test in a couple of days but until then, from Gnasher and Alex, it's goodbye and thanks for joining us.
Junaid Anwar: "Tim David has a personal milestone,1000 T20i runs and 50 sixes in 36 matches."
Skipper expects to move back to No.3 for New Zealand series after some experimentation against West Indies
His Australia career will close out with the T20Is in New Zealand then the World Cup
Roston Chase starred with the ball as Australia fell 37 runs short in Perth
Wes Agar has also been added as pace-bowling cover with Josh Hazlewood returning home ahead of the New Zealand tour