Defending champions Australia will face West Indies at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday in the world cup. While this will be the second match for both the teams, Australia would be playing their first match at Trent Bridge. For the Windies, it will their second game here.
Interestingly, Thursday's match sees Australia back at a Trent Bridge ground where England posted a one-day international record 481 for six against them last year, which the hosts eventually won.
Australia has regained their best form with the return of David Warner and Steven Smith to the game after almost a year-long ban. The five-time champions began their campaign with a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan.
The West Indies has become their aggressive best, having announced their arrival by crushing Pakistan in 13.4 overs in their first match. West Indies would focus on maintaining the form that inspired victory over Pakistan last Friday, with a tough test in store against an Australia side also on a high from victory over Afghanistan.
Going into the Australia vs West Indies match on Thursday, it would be ideal to recall the strong batting line-up of both the teams. Remember, West Indies had piled up 421 runs against tournament favourites New Zealand in the warm-up match. West Indies, with veteran opener Chris Gayle leading the way, have the run-scoring power to give an Australia side strong in both batting and bowling a run for their money. Hence, cricket fans can definitely look forward to a run-fest in Thurday's game.
Interestingly, West Indies have a better record against Australia in world cup matches. The Carribeans tasted victory five of the 9 times when the two teams faced each other during world cups.
Head coach Langer said defending champions Australia would need to adjust their mindset to take on the West Indies quicks and other fast bowlers at the tournament. "We've probably spent four months thinking and playing against spin bowling," he said.
"We have to adapt to West Indies no doubt, who have got a number of good, fast bowlers. South Africa will be same. England will be the same. Have to adapt our game plan and adapt pretty quickly. Obviously a very dangerous team the way they bat and aggressive bowling, but they've got weaknesses as well and we're playing pretty good cricket," Langer said about West Indies ahead of the match.
West Indies, who won the first two World Cups, in 1975 and 1979, were the dominant force in the world game for two decades and boasted a succession of world-class fast bowlers and thrilling batsmen. "When I was a kid it was Calypso cricket, and I think we're seeing plenty of signs of Calypso cricket," said Langer said.
"Running and bowling fast. They're not necessarily going to be bowling the same spot every ball, but going to be exciting to watch. They all try to hit sixes most balls so Darren Bravo's probably a little bit more unorthodox," he added.
Meanwhile, West Indies captain Jason Holder said he was "very, very hopeful" of star all-rounder Andre Russell getting fit in time for their game against Australia. Russell has had to deal with recurring knee issues over the years and was seen limping in the field after his fiery spell against Pakistan.
While Chris Gayle has regained full fitness, Russell has not, said Holder on eve of the game.
(With agency inputs)
