2nd ODI: Bailey, Starc shine in Australia victory

Hosts beat West Indies with comfortable margin.

PERTH: A maiden century from George Bailey, and another inspired bowling performance from the emerging Mitchell Starc, helped Australia beat the West Indies by 54 runs in the second one-day international at the WACA Ground on Sunday.

Set 267 to win after Bailey’s unbeaten 125 rescued the Australian innings, the West Indies were cruising at 159 for three in the run chase, before the return of Starc to the attack turned the match again as the tourists were bowled out 212 in the 39th over.

Earlier, brilliant catching by the West Indies had Australia in deep trouble at 98 for six, before Bailey steered a spirited fightback that saw the home team make 266 for seven from their 50 overs.

Bailey, who described Starc as an ‘extraordinary talent’, said Australia’s total exceeded even their own expectations after the poor start.

“When James (Faulkner) came out we thinking let’s get it to 200,” said Bailey. “To end up with more than 260 was a bonus. Then we were backed up again with the ball, Starc is on fire at the moment.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2013.