Buzzin Cricket

After a 2-0 series victory in the test matches, Australia have secured a 5-0 victory in the one day series after beating the West Indies by a massive 169 runs in St Kitts. It has been a very successful tour for the Australians, who leave the hosts feeling bruised and battered with just a Twenty20 victory to their name against Ricky Ponting’s men.

Before the final game of the series, any cricket odds would have told you that Australia were favourites – and they didn’t fail to deliver. Batting first, they posted a huge total of 341-8 in their 50 overs. Despite there not being a century, there were a number of stand out innings.

Luke Ronchi – who was making his fourth appearance for Australia – hit 64 from just 28 balls, Michael Hussey and Andrew Symonds scored brisk fifties, while David Hussey was explosive as he hit 52 from just 21 balls. Michael Clarke – who was standing in for the injured Ricky Ponting as captain – was the only man that failed to make double figures.

Chasing 342 to win, the West Indies were always up against it. When Mitchell Johnson removed Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan early on to leave the hosts 21-2, the chase was over before it had even begun. Only debutant Shawn Findlay put up a fight for the West Indies, he was unbeaten on 59 as Mitchell Johnson took five wickets to dismiss the Windies for just 172. They didn’t even make it past 40 overs and as one day victories go – this was very, very substantial.

There is no doubting that there is a lot of depth to this Australian team. After the loss of players like Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath they have coped well. In this match, they even showed a glimpse of life ‘post-Ponting’ with Michael Clarke leading a young side to a comprehensive victory.

Final word for today though goes to Luke Ronchi.  As wicket-keeper, he has been very tidy during this one-day series and in the most recent match he showed he can be explosive with the bat as well. He will certainly push Brad Haddin all the way for a spot in the test team as Australia seeks a long term replacement for Adam Gilchrist.