Australia wins the T20 World Cup warm-up with only nine players; even coaches had to field
On Tuesday In a unique turn of events, Australia's T20 World Cup leadership, chief selector George Bailey and head coach Andrew McDonald, were forced to take the field as substitute fielders during their warm-up match against Namibia. Currently, Australia has just nine out of its 15 members at the World Cup, with Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis taking a break following the IPL. Due to the shortage, the coaching staff (McDonald, Hodge, and Borovec) and chief selector Bailey lent a hand on the field.
Chasing Namibia's 119/9, the Champions dominated with 10 overs to spare. David Warner led the way with a blistering 54 not out.
Warner (54*) smashed six fours and a trio of massive sixes at the Port of Spain venue, facing just 21 deliveries, an excellent sign for the Aussies after the left-hander struggled for consistency during the recent IPL.
Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood ripped through the Namibian top order, conceding only 5 runs and taking 2 wickets in his opening spell, including three maidens. Despite Adam Zampa's usual tight bowling (3/25), some late big hitting from Zane Green (38 off 30 balls, 5 fours) helped Namibia just scrape past 100.