Odi

Players had arrived at the Kensington Oval and the toss had taken place, but both camps were sent back to their hotels due to a positive PCR test from one of West Indies' non-playing members.

Play was initially suspended before Cricket West Indies subsequently confirmed the cancellation of the ODI fixture.

The statement from Cricket West Indies read: "The second CG Insurance ODI between West Indies and Australia has been postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test result from a non-playing member of the West Indies staff.

"This decision was taken after the toss at Kensington Oval once the result was known.

"The established COVID-19 protocols stipulate that all members of both teams and match officials will return immediately to the team hotel and will be re-tested later today.

"They will remain in isolation in their hotel rooms until their PCR-Test results are returned."

Phil Simmons' men took the five-match T20I series 4-1 before the visitors recorded an emphatic 133-run win in the opening ODI of the three-match series on Tuesday.

Ahead of the second ODI fixture, Aaron Finch announced one change to his 11, bringing in Riley Meredith for his ODI debut but the bowler will now have to wait for his next opportunity after the cancellation.

The two sides are due to face off on Saturday in the final game of the series at the Kensington Oval again, though that will now need further confirmation given the outcome on Thursday.

In a polished display of batting Hope, who had missed tours of New Zealand and Bangladesh because of a loss of form, scored 110 and featured in an opening partnership of 143 with Evin Lewis, who was equally impressive in scoring a controlled 65.

Hope also put on 72 for the second wicket with Darren Bravo, who made an unbeaten 37 as the West Indies achieved their target of 233 with all of 18 balls to spare.

The Barbadian opener said he was buoyed by being able to represent the West Indies once more.

“It feels great to hit a century. Being away from the game for so long when playing is all you know - it's just great to be back," said Hope, who revealed the key factors behind his successful return.

"I just had patience and trusted my ability,” he said. “

“I made sure I negated the threat that they threw at as. Hasaranga was the main threat and I think we played him very well. He didn't get any wickets.”

Captain Kieron Pollard said he was happy to have their go-to guy in ODI’s back to his best

“For us in white-ball cricket, Hope is the guy. He's been given a role and he gives us the foundation and others can bat around him. In one-day cricket, he's been fantastic.”

Hope is the new captain of the West Indies Men’s One-Day International (ODI) team and Rovman Powell as the new captain of the West Indies Men’s T20 International (T20I) team.

Hope, the wicketkeeper/batter and Powell, the batting all-rounder, take over from Nicholas Pooran, who stepped down from the positions last November following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

The first assignments for both captains will be the upcoming tour of South Africa in March where the West Indies face the Proteas in three ODIs and three T20Is from 16 to 28 March, following two matches in the ICC World Test Championship.

Each captain will be heavily involved in strategy and planning leading up to the next ICC World Tournaments. In ODI cricket, the West Indies are likely to need to qualify for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with the qualifiers scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe in June.  In T20I cricket, the West Indies will be hosting the next ICC T20 World Cup with the USA in June 2024.

Hope is selected as ODI captain after demonstrating strong leadership on and off the field and experiencing the vice-captain role over a number of Series since 2019. He became vice-captain for a second time in June 2022 and played his 100th ODI for the West Indies against India in July last year. Hope has played 104 ODIs and was recently selected in the ICC ODI Team of the Year for 2022.

 “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be appointed captain of any West Indies team,” Hope said of his appointment.

“To lead a team that is of such incredible significance not only to myself and my teammates but to our legion of fans the world over, is something one dreams of as a child.

“The rich history and legacy that our region and our brand of cricket is so famous and loved for, requires no intricate explanation. I would like to thank CWI for entrusting me with this immense opportunity. To navigate West Indies cricket in the right direction will be my fundamental priority and a task that I shall be unwaveringly committed to. With the support of my team-mates and our dedicated fans, I look forward to a long and fulfilling tenure as captain of the West Indies One-Day International team.”

CWI’s Selection Panel recommended Powell as T20I captain, referencing his demonstrated leadership acumen and tactical ability when acting as the West Indies T20I vice-captain and as captain for Jamaica in 2022 with double success in both regional competitions.

He led Jamaica winning firstly the Caribbean Premier League with the Tallawahs in September before captaining the Jamaica Scorpions to the CG United Super50 Cup title in November.

“I’m truly humbled and grateful to be given this amazing opportunity to lead the West Indies. For me, this a huge vote of confidence and I see this as the greatest honour of my career,” Powell said.

“To be asked to ‘carry the flag’ for the people of the Caribbean, there’s no bigger role in cricket in the region — a job previously held by some of the greatest servants of West Indies cricket.

“I also want to thank CWI for allowing me to guide the team in the coming years as we set sights on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which we will be jointly hosting with the USA next year. I’m a passionate cricketer who believes in leading from the front and always giving 100 percent. “

 Match schedule in South Africa

21 to 24 February: vs South Africa Invitational XI at Willowmoore Park, Benoni

28 February to 4 March: 1st Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion

8-12 March: 2nd Test at the Wanderers, Johannesburg

Thursday, 16 March: 1st ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

Saturday, 18 March: 2nd ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

Tuesday, 21 March: 3rd ODI at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Saturday, 25 March: 1st T20Is at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Sunday, 26 March: 2nd T20I at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Tuesday, 28 March: 3rd T20I at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (night)

There is a return of experienced seamer Shakera Selman, who was rested for the first two matches. Middle-order batter Britney Cooper has been ruled out the remainder of the series due to medical reasons.

“The first two ODIs have proven to be difficult matches. The batters have not yet given the expected performances. Although South Africa is one of the higher-ranked teams, there are experienced batters in our team who have to settle down and produce some scores,” said Chief Selector Ann Browne-John.

“Them scoring will surely give a level of confidence to the lower order and also give the bowlers a score to defend. We also have the return of Shakera Selman to the 13 which gives an additional and experienced bowling option.”

The full squad comprises  Anisa Mohammed (Captain), Deandra Dottin (Vice-Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Shabika Gajnabi, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews,  Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman and Rashada Williams.

The all-rounder was the star of the show in Chattogram on Monday, top scoring with 75 off 71 balls as the Tigers posted 246 all out in the day-night contest.

Shakib also excelled with the ball, taking 4-35 to make history at the end of a series that the tourists won 2-1 after they were dismissed for 196.

Sam Curran (2-51) had Litton Das caught behind in the first over and reduced the Tigers to 17-2 by removing Tamim Iqbal, who opted to bat first after winning the toss. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto (53) and Mushfiqur Rahim (70) then put on 98 for the second wicket before the number three was run out following a mix-up with the wicketkeeper-batter, who missed out on a hundred when he was bowled by an Adil Rashid wrong 'un.

Rashid (2-21) bowled Mahmudullah through the gate and Mehidy Hasan became debutant Rehan Ahmed's first scalp when he was caught and bowled, before Jofra Archer claimed (3-35) three wickets late in the innings.

England's openers got them off to a solid start prior to Phil Salt (35) being taken by Mahmudullah off the bowling of Shakib, who then rattled Jason Roy's middle stump with a quicker delivery after Dawid Malan fell for a second-ball duck.

Curran was removed by Mehidy for 23 after being sent in at number five and Shakib struck again to see the back of James Vince (38).

Taijul Islam (2-52) got in on the act by trapping Jos Buttler leg before and bowling Rashid, before Shakib sent Rehan on his way to reach the 300 mark, with Mustafizur Rahman getting Chris Woakes (34) caught and bowled to seal the win. 

Shakib makes history

Spinning all-rounder Shakib gave the Bangladesh innings some impetus, hitting seven boundaries as he scored at just over a run a ball in a staggering 52nd ODI half-century.

He then joined the 300 club in this format by dismissing Salt, Roy, Vince and Rehan, conceding only three boundaries in his 10 overs.

More encouragement for Archer

After such a long absence due to injury nightmares, Archer added to the two wickets he took in the opening ODI as he got through 8.5 overs.

With his workload being carefully managed, the paceman bowled with pace and showed the variation he has in his armoury.

India welcome the Proteas for what will be the teams' final white-ball multi-game stand prior to the tournament in Australia later this month.

Bumrah, the International Cricket Council's number-one ranked bowler in the 50-over format as recently as July, has been ruled out with a reported back stress fracture.

That has seemingly opened the door for Shami, who faces a race to prove match fitness following a bout with Covid-19, though coach Rahul Dravid has hinted the team may wait as late as they can for him.

"In terms of who the replacement is, we'll have a look," he stated. "We'll see, we've got time till October 15.

"Shami obviously is someone who's in the standbys, but unfortunately for us, he couldn't play this series, which would have been ideal from that perspective.

"He's in the NCA at the moment. We'll have to get reports as to how he's recovering, and what's his status after 14-15 days of Covid.

"We'll take a call, once I get reports on how he's feeling, then we can take a call and the selectors can take a call on how we move forward on it."

South Africa's Rilee Rossouw, meanwhile, hopes that the springboard of a consolation win in the pair's T20 series can help push the Proteas on towards success over the coming weeks.

"Obviously [it is] not the series result we wanted but going into the World Cup, the last game, the momentum is something we did we need," he added.

In-form hosts seek to reverse prior defeat

With seven consecutive wins in the 50-over format to their name, India head into this match in their best form since 2017.

Then, they put together a nine-game winning run across ODIs, and this three-game series presents both the chance to smash that history and make amends.

South Africa have been difficult opponents in recent times for India, with the Proteas having won their last three encounters, and four of their last five bilateral series.

In addition, they will be looking to avoid consecutive away losses in ODIs for the first time since 2019, having suffered a 118-run defeat to England in their last such outing.

Spin bowler Tabraiz Shamsi is eyeing up the half-century mark when it comes to wickets in the format

Kuldeep Yadav is also seeking to make history with the ball, as he chases 19th on India's all-time ODI wicket-taker list, with four more set to take him past Ishant Sharma's tally of 115.

Temba Bavuma is among a host of South Africa players to be given a rest for matches that will form part of the Cricket World Cup Super League, so Keshav Maharaj leads the side in a series that starts at SuperSport Park on Friday.

South Africa are ninth in the Super League standings, while the Netherlands are bottom but have only played three matches as they eye a place in the 2023 World Cup.

The Dutch are very much underdogs for their first full international series against the Proteas in South Africa.

Shamsi says South Africa will not be taking anything for granted as they look to put the disappointment of missing out on the T20 World Cup semi-finals behind them.

The spinner said: "It is going to be a good challenge. They are obviously going to be up to the fight but so are we because we have some new guys in the squad. That's a lovely opportunity for all of us to put in performances and to put our hands up.

"As you have seen, we have a World Cup basically every year and we always want to win but the simple thing is to prepare as best as we can.

"We can't take these guys lightly because they have quality players in the squad. They have a lot of guys who have been playing county cricket as well but we are definitely not slacking off.

"Just looking at the opposition, they have some quality players in their squad and we will have to be at our best to beat them and get all the Super League points."

Proteas pacers can show strength in depth

South Africa are set to unleash a new-look pace attack on the Netherlands after Lungi Ngidi joined the list of absentees following his positive coronavirus test.

With Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje rested, there will be a chance for Sisanda Magala, Daryn Dupavillon and Junior Dala to charge in.

The experienced Wayne Parnell makes a long-awaited return, while Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo are also included.

Khaya Zondo is also back in the squad over three years after the middle-order batsman played his last ODI.

Feeling at home on tour

The tourists will have a former South Africa international in their ranks as Roelof van der Merwe returns to his homeland.

Colin Ackermann, Stephan Myburgh, Brandon Glover and Clayton Floyd were also born in South Africa, while Ryan ten Doeschate has taken on a mentor role following his recent retirement. 

The Netherlands have been smarting from failing to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup, having lost all three matches.

Facing a challenging target of 268 after the Windward Islands posted a total of 267-8 from their allotted 50 overs, CCC managed to scrape across the finish line, scoring 271-8. It was a heart-pounding finish as Jediah Blades struck a crucial boundary off Shamar Springer, securing the hard-fought win off the final delivery of the match.

The hero of the day, Shane Dowrich, named Player of the Match, remained unbeaten on a remarkable 102, guiding his team through the nail-biting contest. The opener, Kadeem Alleyne, also played a significant role with a valuable contribution of 68, and his partner Johan Jeremiah added 30 to set the stage for CCC's innings.

Despite the promising start, Daryl Cyrus posed a serious threat by taking 4-54, putting CCC's chances of victory in jeopardy. However, Dowrich displayed exceptional composure, scoring 102 off 101 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and three sixes. Jordan Johnson chipped in with 34 runs from 33 balls, providing crucial support.

As the game approached its climax, it was left to Dowrich to carry his team to the brink of victory, and he did not do it alone.

With just nine runs needed from the final over, Romario Greaves played a significant role, smashing a vital six off the third ball. However, he was unfortunately run out for 14, leaving one ball and Dowrich at the other end.

In a thrilling conclusion, Jediah Blades emerged as the hero, striking a boundary off the first ball he faced, sealing the victory for CCC.

Larry Edward, on the Windward Islands side, picked up two wickets for 65 runs.

Earlier, the Windward Islands managed to post a competitive total of 267-8, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Alick Athanaze (65), Jeremy Solozano (55), and Sunil Ambris (51). Andre Fletcher also contributed with 32 runs. Blades, Isai Thorne, and Abhijai Mansingh were among the key wicket-takers for CCC with two wickets each.

The sport has been jolted by the loss of Warne at the age of 52, who remained a major figure even though his playing days were long over.

Warne was a leg-spin maverick who had an exuberant character that helped to make him a natural broadcaster.

He thrived in his role as an expert analyst and was a popular presence in the role, bringing to bear the experience of his 145 Test matches and 194 ODIs.

Nicholas, a Hampshire mainstay for many years before turning to broadcasting, has become one of the best-known anchor presenters, and often worked in tandem with Warne.

Remembering Warne's influence, Nicholas told talkSPORT: "He turned a whole generation around to a new rock and roll type of cricket, he played to a level never been seen before.

"He always was an entertainer, he was never compromised by his art, and what he really valued was loving that so many people loved watching him play. He was an amazing guy with extraordinary energy.

"The only consolation I can give is he gave this life a good crack. I would say I would have trusted him with my life and would rate him as one of the great enthusiasts… of anything. He was up for anything."

Warne also played for Hampshire, some years after Nicholas retired, and captained the county side.

But it was as a spin pioneer with Australia that Warne shone brightest, his flair and cunning undoing the world's finest batsmen. He was repeatedly the scourge of English batsmen, helping Australia to seven Ashes series wins.

He retired from international cricket in 2007 after a 15-year career, seeing out his final years as a player in T20 competitions.

"This is a desperate blow," Nicholas said. "He was one of the most amazing people I've ever met and it's just terrible."

It was poetry in motion to witness the Australia legend come in off his short run before bamboozling batsmen all over the world time and again.

The cricket world is in mourning after Warne died in Thailand at the age of 52.

Not only was he one of the best cricketers of all time, Warne established himself as a sporting icon due to his wizardry with the ball and his infectious personality.

He made a huge impact with his incredible skill, passion for the sport and drive to reach new heights.

There was a swagger about the Victorian, who looked more like a surfer from Bondi Beach than a Test bowler when he emerged on the international stage with bleach-blonde hair and zinc sunscreen smeared on his face.

Warne certainly made waves in a magnificent playing career, with Muttiah Muralitharan the only bowler to have claimed more than his 708 Test scalps from 145 matches.

There were so many highs for the maverick tweaker, a standout being the 'Ball of the Century' to bowl Mike Gatting with a delivery that ripped up from outside leg to strike the off stump in the 1993 Ashes series.

He also claimed an Ashes hat-trick on his home Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1994 and was man of the match when Australia won the 1999 World Cup final against Pakistan after taking 4-33 at Lord's.

Warne loved being on the big stage and he thrived on the pressure, delivering multiple match-winning performances over the years.

There was an aura about him. He was a vibrant personality, a great sport, who knew how to enjoy himself, and far more than just a cricketer.

Off the field, he lived a colourful life and was described as a "rock and roll" cricketer by his commentary colleague Mark Nicholas on Friday.

Warne was stripped of the Australia vice-captaincy in 2000 after a phone-sex scandal involving a British nurse, at a time when he was married.

He was linked with many women, notably coupling up with British actress Liz Hurley to whom he became engaged, although they later split.

Famously, Warne was banned for a year after testing positive for a banned diuretic in February 2003, just prior to Australia beginning their campaign at the Cricket World Cup. He said the pill had been given to him by his mother, flatly denied any intentional wrongdoing, and was soon back to his best once that ban expired.

Warne continued to pass on his wisdom to both young and established players after calling time on his playing career, leaving spinners in particularly transfixed by both his actions and words.

He remained in the game as a coach, mentor and an excellent commentator, bringing an unrivalled energy to his work and play.

It was not only batsmen who had difficulty reading him, as he also experienced success on the poker table.

There was an air of expectation when Warne walked onto the field, entered a room, started a commentary stint or a coaching session.

The many tributes from far and wide for a sporting icon showed the measure of the man who has gone far too soon.

Warne was a superstar, a genius who lived life to the full and is a huge loss.

Dhoni is a veteran of 448 internationals across the limited overs formats, and captained India to glory at the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and the 2011 World Cup - the latter an unforgettable triumph on home soil.

The 38-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has not featured for India since their semi-final loss to New Zealand at last year's World Cup and he is currently on a break from the game.

Rishabh Pant has taken the gloves for India in white-ball cricket but the Dhoni era might not be over just yet.

"I have had a conversation with MS and that is between us," Shastri told News18. "He has finished his Test career, he may soon end his ODI career. So he will be left with T20, he will definitely play the IPL.

"One thing I know about Dhoni is that he will not impose himself on the team. But if he has a cracking IPL, well, then... 

"We will have to consider the person’s experience and form. They will bat in the number five or six position. If Dhoni plays well in IPL, then he does put himself in contention."

A return to Dhoni could be welcoming in some quarters, given criticism that has been levelled at Pant's glovework and his failure to convert starts into decisive contributions with the bat.

Pant averages 20.50 from 25 T20I innings, but Shastri is backing the youngster.

"How many 22-year-old wicket-keepers have made 100s? He hasn’t dropped many catches and everyone is entitled to make mistakes," he added.

"As he matures he will get better. These things don't happen overnight. There is no question that he is a match-winner.

"Talent is there, he is doing everything to cash in. He is working hard on his wicketkeeping."

Malik has taken the 2022 Indian Premier League by storm, claiming 21 wickets at an average of 20 for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 22-year-old clocked the fastest ball in this year's tournament with a delivery that registered 156.9 kilometres per hour on the speed gun against Delhi Capitals this month.

Malik rattled India captain Rohit Sharma on the helmet and took 3-23 to make another huge statement in Sunrisers' win over Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.

He became the youngest Indian to take 20 wickets in an IPL season with his latest exhibition of explosive pace bowling.

Former India head coach Shastri wants to see the rapid Malik in Rohit's pace attack on the international stage in the near future.

"Central contract straightaway," Shastri said on ESPNcricinfo's T20 Time Out.

"And keep him in the mix, don't let him float around. Keep him in the mix with the main players and then he learns seeing (and) being around with the [Mohammed] Shamis and the [Jasprit] Bumrahs, and see the way they train, see the way they manage their workload.

"Of course, there'll be the team management there, support staff, that'll help him do that, but don't let him stray at the moment. Get him into the mix, and keep him there and groom him."

Shastri says the quick will be even more potent when he learns to bowl with more control.

He said: "He'll get better and better. You see his bowling once he takes a wicket. Look at the lines he starts bowling as opposed to when he has not got a wicket – that's when he is trying everything, his lines are all over the place.

"You don't want him to cut down on pace. The last thing you would tell him looking for control, cut down on pace. What you want him to do is get his lines right: if he can bowl that stump line, attack the stumps on a constant basis, varying his lengths, he will trouble [batters].

"If he gets a wicket and new guy comes in, he can really rattle him because he has got the pace, he can keep the bloke on his toes, but it's that line - if he gets into that channel, without cutting his pace it will make a huge difference."

Shastri says Malik can provide a new dimension to the India Test attack.

"I promise you, this guy is going to be a handful in red-ball cricket. Handful, really. If he is part of an Indian pace battery that has Bumrah, Shami, you add this bloke in, a fourth guy, it's going to be a serious attack," he added.

Agarwal was called up to the Test squad on Tuesday after Rohit suffered a tour-ending calf injury.

Shaw was also named in the 16-man Test squad along with Ishant Sharma, although the paceman's participation depends on whether he recovers from an ankle injury.

Fit-again Jasprit Bumrah was also included for two Tests that will come after a three-match ODI series against the Cricket World Cup runners-up, which gets under way at Seddon Park on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli confirmed it Shaw and Agarwal will be at the top of the order in the absence of Rohit as India look to maintain their momentum after a 5-0 Twenty20 International series whitewash of New Zealand.

Asked about the possibility of KL Rahul opening in the 50-over format, Kohli - who revealed the team management had asked for another opener to be flown out - replied: "No, we are looking to stick to that same plan.

"It's an unfortunate situation that Rohit can't be a part of this series. In all formats, he's on the list first and the impact he's had is there for everyone to see.

"We don't have any one-day tournaments to look forward to so it's an ideal time for him to go away and rectify this as soon as he can. He played the T20I series, so from the team's balance perspective heading into a World Cup year, it doesn't hamper combinations.

"Prithvi's in the team and will definitely start and whoever the replacement is [Agarwal] - we've asked for an opener. KL will play in the middle-order, we want him to get used to that role at number five and keep as well."

Sheneta Grimmond returns to the West Indies Women’s squad since last playing against South Africa Women in September 2021. The right-arm off-spinner comes into the squad to replace all-rounder Stafanie Taylor, who is ruled out of the first two T20I matches after retiring hurt in the third and final CG United ODI on Sunday 25 September. Grimmond had an impressive showing in the 6ixty and Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) with her team, the Trinbago Knight Riders, taking four wickets in the 6ixty and three wickets in the WCPL.

Lead Selector for Women’s Selection Panel, Ann Browne-John said: “In the CG United ODI series, there were some very promising performances. The victory in the final match showed a lot of grit and determination. Aaliyah Alleyne, who was included for the final match, shone both with bat and ball.”

Browne-John added: “The Panel is now able to build on this as we continue to develop players. This five match series forms part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, Stafanie Taylor has been ruled out of these two matches after being injured while batting in the third CG United ODI. This squad for the 1^st and 2^nd T20I sees the return of off-spinner Sheneta Grimmond who had a good WCPL performance, and we believe her off-spin will provide added support to the other off-spinners, Hayley Matthews and Karishma Ramharack.”

This five-match series serves as vital preparation for both teams in the leadup to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa from 9 to 26 February 2023.

West Indies squad for 1st and 2nd T20Is

Chasing 295, the West Indies found themselves in early trouble at 94-3 in the 22nd over. Openers Brandon King (6) and Evin Lewis (16) struggled to get going against disciplined bowling from Bangladesh, while Kaecy Carty’s 21 came to an end just as he looked to settle. At this stage, Bangladesh’s total of 294-6, built on fifties from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (74), Tanzid Hasan (60), and Mahmudullah (50 not out), as well as Jaker Ali’s valuable 48, seemed more than enough.

However, the game took a dramatic turn with a 99-run partnership between Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Hope steadied the innings with his trademark composure, scoring 86 off 88 balls with three fours and four sixes. Rutherford, who came into the match with four consecutive fifties, once again delivered under pressure. This time, he turned his brilliant form into a dazzling 113 from just 80 balls, laced with seven fours and eight towering sixes.

Hope scored a solid 86 from 88 balls.

Bangladesh had no answer for Rutherford’s power-hitting, which completely shifted the momentum. His partnership with Hope set the foundation for the chase, and even after his dismissal with just seven runs needed from the final 20 balls, Justin Greaves ensured there were no last-minute nerves. Greaves finished unbeaten on 41 from 31 balls, striking five boundaries, while Roston Chase’s composed two not out saw the West Indies home.

Earlier in the day, Romario Shepherd (3-51) and Alzarri Joseph (2-67) were instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to under 300, as the visitors looked on course for a bigger total during the middle overs.

The victory is a major boost for the West Indies, showcasing their resilience and growing confidence in ODIs. For Bangladesh, it was a case of missed opportunities as their bowlers failed to close out a strong start.

With two more matches to come, the series remains wide open, promising more fireworks as both teams aim to outdo each other.

In 16 Tests, the soon-to-be 24-year-old Guyanese batsman, has only managed to score 838 runs at an anemic average of 27.93. His highest Test score is 93 that came against Bangladesh in November 2018. Since then, his highest Test score was 81 against England in Bridgetown in January 2019.

In the shorter forms of the game, Hetmyer has been marginally better. In One Day Internationals he has scored 1430 runs, averaging 36.66 and in T20s 1476 runs at an average of 25.44.

Notwithstanding, CWI Chief Selector Roger Harper believes Hetmyer possesses the potential to be so much more starting with the upcoming series against New Zealand next month.

“I would like to think that having missed the tour [of England], he’s hungry to get back and anxious to show what a quality player he is in all formats of the game, especially in Test cricket,” Harper said of Hetmyer, who declined an invitation to be a member of the West Indies team during their three-Test #raisethebat tour in July.

“I personally think Hetmyer has the ability to be one of the best batsmen in the world, in Test cricket as well.

“As he gets to understand the rhythm of Test cricket and the approach needed, I think he’ll show that; so this is an opportunity for him to showcase his skill and talent, and help the team to build big totals.”

The West Indies will play three T20 Internationals and two Tests in New Zealand from November 27 to November 15.

The 23-year-old has begun 2023 with 70, 21 and 116 against Sri Lanka, followed by 208, 40 not out and 112 against New Zealand.

Before the turn of the year, he had one century in 15 ODIs, but all of a sudden he has rattled off three in 10 days.

The difference has been a slight adjustment in focus, with Gill saying: "I don't think I've changed much of my approach when I'm batting out there. It's all about once you get the start, how often you can work those starts into big ones, and that's what I'm trying to learn.

"As soon as I get a start, [I look for] every opportunity that I get to be able to express myself and work all the starts I get into big ones.

"I think it's all about playing according to the situation, not looking at your runs, just looking at conditions and looking at the bowler, and how you can score against this particular bowler, just looking to score all the time."

Gill was speaking after his 78-ball 112 against New Zealand helped to pave the way for a 90-run victory and 3-0 series clean sweep.

It also took him to 360 runs for the series, matching the record for most runs by a batter in a men's three-match ODI series, and equalling the total of Pakistan's Babar Azam against West Indies in 2016.

"It feels nice, this was a really good wicket to bat on," Gill said.

India captain Rohit Sharma made 101 as both openers scorched to three figures in an India total of 385-9 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium.

Rohit paid tribute to his young batting partner for showing such strong form, saying it was a tribute to his attitude that he was performing so well.

Gill was player of the series, and Rohit said: "His approach is quite similar. He doesn't change too much and wants to come out and start afresh.

"As a young player just coming into the team, having that kind of attitude is so important, not to sit on your laurels. He could have taken it lightly but doesn't seem to be that way."

Speaking at the post-match presentation, as India went above England at the top of the ICC rankings, Rohit said his own century, his 30th in ODIs, was a cause for great satisfaction.

It was his first hundred in an ODI since January 2020.

"It means a lot. I've been batting well, and it's about going that extra mile," Rohit said.

"Today the wicket was good, and we knew we needed runs on the board, and it was important for me to carry on and bat for as long as possible."

It ended Sri Lanka's 30-year wait since their last home triumph in a bilateral ODI series against Australia.

Defeat to Australia in the Ashes scuppered Silverwood's hopes of remaining in charge of England earlier this year, but his new team got the better of the men in yellow on Tuesday.

Replying to Sri Lanka's 258 all out, Australia could only manage 254, losing Matthew Kuhnemann to the last ball of their innings when five runs were required for victory.

Charith Asalanka made a maiden ODI hundred to anchor the home team's innings, reaching 110 before he holed out just inside the deep midwicket boundary, Aaron Finch taking the catch off Pat Cummins' bowling.

Asalanka lived dangerously early on, with a delivery from Cummins seemingly skimming the stumps but not removing the bails; however, he soon found form and hoisted Cummins for six shortly before being the eighth man out. Sri Lanka's main failing was in slumping from 256-7 after 47.3 overs to their final total.

They had recovered well from 34-3, thanks to Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva (60) putting on 101 for the fourth wicket, but Australia fancied their task in the chase despite losing captain Finch for a duck in the third over.

The tourists were firmly in the hunt while David Warner remained at the crease, but somebody else needed to step up when the opener fell for 99 to leave Australia 192-7 in the 38th over.

Cummins, the Test captain, accepted the invitation but was pinned lbw for 35 by Chamika Karunaratne late in the 49th over. Kuhnemann made it a desperately difficult final over for Dasun Shanaka, taking 14 from the bowler's first five deliveries; however, the Australia tail-ender hoisted the next delivery high and into the grateful hands of century-maker Asalanka.

Long wait comes to an end

Aravinda de Silva was the star man when Sri Lanka won their three-match home ODI series against Australia in 1992, and it has been three decades of waiting for another such triumph to come around. Now the target for Silverwood will be to deliver performances such as these on a consistent basis.

Now Australia face questions

Sri Lanka made a mess of each end of their batting innings, but the middle order held up. Tuesday's success was a third successive ODI match win over Australia in ODIs, the first time Sri Lanka have achieved that since a three-game streak in February and March 2012.

Australia, who lost 2-1 to Pakistan in April, have lost back-to-back series in the format for the first time since March 2020.

The Windies were consigned to a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh on home soil and face a huge challenge when they face India.

Nicholas Pooran has endured a poor start to his tenure as captain and India are strong favourites to win a series that starts at Queen's Park Oval on Friday.

The highest total West Indies posted against the Tigers was only 178 and they have failed to bat out the full 50 overs time and again.

Head coach Simmons is demanding more application at the crease ahead of the series in Port of Spain.

"We have players quite capable of batting for long periods, but we need to get it together and hold strong," Simmons said.

"Players like [Shai] Hope and [Kyle] Mayers are Test batsmen, so they have the temperament to bat right through the innings."

He added: "The main thing is how we bat our 50 overs…we have to bat 50 overs and put our innings together and partnerships together.

"Somebody has to be looking to score a hundred and hold the team together. Batting-wise that is it."

Shikhar Dhawan captains the tourists as Rohit Sharma is rested along with the struggling Virat Kohli and paceman Jasprit Bumrah for a series that does not fall under the banner of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.

India have won 10 of their past 11 ODIs versus the Windies, with the only loss coming in Chennai back in December 2019.

Holder return boosts Windies

Good news has been in short supply for West Indies, but the return of all-rounder Jason Holder can give them a lift.

The former skipper was given a break for the Bangladesh series and the Windies will be hoping he is fresh and ready to fire on his return.

Holder needs another four wickets to become the seventh West Indies bowler to take 150 ODI wickets.

India can show strength in depth

Dhawan is set to lead a young side as India look to show their strength in depth with the World Cup to come on home soil next year. 

Deepak Hooda and Arshdeep Singh are among the players who will be looking to make their mark in the Caribbean.

Ishan Kishan will also hope to get another chance at the top of the order.

Skippers Cummins and Jos Buttler were afforded time to rest on Saturday in the second ODI, which Australia won by 72 runs to seal a series victory shortly after competing at the T20 World Cup.

Smith crafted a fluent 94 in Sydney to add to his unbeaten 80 in Thursday's Adelaide Oval clash, while being named as vice-captain to Hazlewood.

In-form batter Smith has only captained his side once – in The Ashes at Adelaide in 2021 after Cummins was ruled out due to COVID-19 – since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal against South Africa.

The 33-year-old insisted he remains relaxed over the captaincy decisions, though, with his focus on helping Australia regardless of his job description.

"I'm not sure if there was a conversation - I just do what I'm told," Smith said.

"I was vice-captain for this game, and helped out where I could. They're looking to build some new leaders, some younger leaders.

"I'm pretty chilled, I'll just do my thing."

Smith declared his innings against England in the ODI opener as the best he has felt batting in six years and reiterated his confidence after another impressive showing in the middle.

"It's my movement, my hands, the time I feel like I've got and just where I'm hitting the ball. I feel like I'm in a good place," he added.

Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc did the damage with the ball against England, combining for eight wickets, and the leg-spinner acknowledged the importance of defeating dual world champions England.

"It's a series win, that's important to us against a good England side," Zampa told BT Sport.

"[James] Vince and [Sam] Billings made it look like it was going to be tough but we got a couple of big wickets.

"It was a hard wicket to start on. It was going to swing early, we felt the wicket was up and down. We knew reverse swing would come in later, and we made it tough for them.

"We're disappointed with how the World Cup went, England deserved to win but it's nice to get this series."