5th ODI: Voges ton ensures series whitewash

Australia refuse tourists a last stab at victory by 17 runs.

MELBOURNE:

Australia bowled out the West Indies for 257 to secure a 17-run victory and a 5-0 whitewash in their One-Day International series yesterday, thanks to a century from stand-in Adam Voges.

The tourists had looked on target to chase down a 275-run target when Johnson Charles struck his maiden century to match Voges, who scored a magnificent unbeaten 112.

The West Indian opener struck a boundary to bring up his 100 off 120 balls, including eight fours and a six.

But he fell on the next ball, caught by Ben Cutting at square leg playing a poor shot to Clint McKay.

Subsequent wickets fell regularly as the required run rate soared and the West Indies were forced to hit out.

Captain Darren Sammy had a late chance to guide the tourists to the target but he was caught behind by Brad Haddin off McKay for 23 off 18 balls.

Opener Kieran Powell had been the first to go, caught in the slips by Aaron Finch off paceman Mitchell Johnson for just two.

Darren Bravo managed 33 in a partnership of 106 with Charles before all-rounder James Faulkner held a low catch off Xavier Doherty’s finger spin.

After Charles went, Narsingh Deonarine was out for four. Devon Thomas smashed 19 off 18 balls but was run out by Shaun Marsh.

Big-hitting Kieron Pollard holed out for 45, caught by Finch at long on off Faulkner.



Sammy lamented his side’s failure to take chances.

“We were right in there again,” said Sammy. “I think we shot ourselves in the foot. We should have chased down those runs.”

Voges, batting at number five, had earlier steadied the Australian innings after a disastrous start and went on to complete his ton off 98 balls.

Australia captain Shane Watson paid tribute to Voges.

“He was absolutely amazing, the way he controlled the innings,” said Watson.

For Voges, it was all about taking his chance.

“I guess you never say never,” said Voges. “The great thing is, the selectors have brought me back when I’m playing well. You have to make the most of it while it lasts.”

West Indies had the home side at 2 for 2 wickets, but they let Australia off the hook and went for 100 runs in the final 10 overs.

When Voges came in they were three for 63 and a high total looked unlikely with skipper Michael Clarke also on the injured list. But only two more wickets fell.

Voges cracked a six to bring up a 100 partnership with fellow veteran Brad Haddin.

Haddin skied a top edge off Kemar Roach to Kieran Powell in the deep when he had made 43 off 45 balls out of a partnership of 111 with Voges.

Faulkner accompanied Voges through the final overs, adding a quickfire 31 off 24 balls. The pair put on 81 runs from 51 balls.

Darren Sammy



“We were right in there again. I think we shot ourselves in the foot. We should have chased down those runs.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2013.