THE Australian International summer of cricket will draw to its conclusion with a three-match T20 series against the West Indies, starting on Friday night. There is plenty to play for ahead of this year’s World Cup in the United States and Caribbean, with players from either side undertaking somewhat of an audition for the tournament. We preview the series which kicks off in Hobart.

SERIES SCHEDULE

All games scheduled to begin at 7:00pm AEDT

1st T20: Friday February 9 @ Bellerive Oval
2nd T20: Sunday February 11 @ Adelaide Oval
3rd T20: Tuesday February 13 @ Perth Stadium

SQUADS

AUSTRALIA: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

WEST INDIES: Rovman Powell (c), Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas

TEAM NEWS

While no permanent captain has been appointed, Mitch Marsh is again set to take the reigns for Australia. The recently crowned Allan Border Medallist will essentially audition for the full-time role having already taken the top job during Australia’s tour of South Africa last year.

Among those fighting for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad, set to jet off to the United States and Caribbean in June, is Spencer Johnson. The left-arm quick will play in place of the injured Nathan Ellis (ribs), while also competing for selection with Jason Behrendorff and Sean Abbott.

Four will likely have to go into one, with Australia’s regular attack of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins likely to reprise their starting roles at the World Cup. Starc and Cummins will be managed for this series, though, potentially opening the door for others to shine.

In other news amongst the Australian setup, Glenn Maxwell returns after being rested. Tim David also gets a shot in the side after Matt Short was struck down with a hamstring injury in the ODI series. David Warner will notch up a rare milestone, set to reach 100 International appearances across each format.

Akin to Warner and Maxwell, the West Indies are set to field a bunch of players who did not feature in the Test or ODI series. There are some big names too, including the likes of Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Jason Holder. Rovman Powell has been named as captain.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

AUSTRALIA: Spencer Johnson

Fresh off Player of the Match honours in the BBL|13 final, Johnson has been drafted into Australia’s T20 squad. The left-armer takes Ellis’ place and will look to press his case for selection at the upcoming World Cup. Watch for his pace and potency to make a difference early in the innings, particularly given the Windies’ recent woes atop the order against Australia.

WEST INDIES: Akeal Hosein

A man who should be quite familiar with the Australian conditions by now is Hosein. The talented left-arm orthodox bowler has been terrific when called upon by the Melbourne Renegades, and is a well-travelled T20 player. His crafty, economical bowling and handy lower-order hitting should provide the West Indies with a much-needed spark in the white ball format.

PREDICTION

The West Indies were played off the park in the last ODI, so will be keen to make amends after a 3-0 series sweep. Some big-hitting Internationals should prove handy additions for the tourists, though Australia has plenty of players hungry to prove themselves ahead of the World Cup. 2-1 Australia.