T20 World Cup warm-up: Australia forced to field coach, selector against Namibia

PORT OF SPAIN: Australia were forced to field coaches and national selector during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up fixture against Namibia at Queen’s Park Oval Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald, assistant coaches Brad Hodge and Andre Borovec, as well as chairman of selectors George Bailey, featured in the match as substitutes due to a shortage of players.

There were only nine players available for Australia, as Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis had yet to link up with the team after the conclusion of the IPL.

The former T20 World champions invited Namibia to bat first and restricted them to 119-9 in 20 overs, courtesy of brilliant bowling performance by Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa.

Hazlewood picked two wickets for five runs, while Zampa returned with figures of 3-25.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Zane Green was the notable contributor for Namibia with a 30-ball 38, which featured five boundaries.

Australia chased down the total in a dominant fashion in only 10 overs, thanks to David Warner’s aggressive strokeplay. He smashed three sixes and six boundaries on his way to a 21-ball 54.

Tim David scored 23 runs from 16 balls, while Matthew Wade scored an unbeaten 12 off five balls.

For Namibia, Bernard Scholtz picked two wickets.

Australia will next face co-hosts West Indies in their final warm-up match on Thursday at the same venue.

READ: Olivier Giroud’s leadership will be missed, says AC Milan captain