The West Indies will host South Africa and Australia in 10-match tri-series. The series will commence from June 3 when the hosts will take on South Africa.
The series promises to be an exciting affair as West Indies will be fresh from the World Twenty20 triumph and South Africa and Australia would want to assert their supremacy once again in the format.
We take a look at 5 interesting scenarios and events that might transpire in the series.
The return of Mitchell Starc
There is little doubt that Mitchell Starc is currently the best fast bowler in the world with the white ball. Unfortunately, the left-arm quick has been out of action since November last year with a foot fracture.
He last played during Australia's day-night Test against New Zealand in Adelaide and has since undergone an ankle surgery which removed bone spurs. He was also ruled out of the just-concluded Indian Premier League.
"Feeling fit, strong and ready. There's no pain in the ankle or foot, so [I've] been really happy with it, it's come along really well", said the fast-bowler.
His return will be a welcome addition to the Australian squad.
West Indies after their triumph in World T20
This will be the first International assignment for the men from the Caribbean after their glorious World Twenty20 triumph. This series thus assumes all the more importance as expectations will rise from the locals and if and how the team build on from the World Cup win will be an interesting watch.
Also, West Indies being West Indies, there are already many voices expressing their displeasure at the squad selection. Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo were omitted from the squad and Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine were included. This evoked outrage from Chris Gayle and Darren Sammy who questioned the selection criteria.
However, this series will be about the positives and about how West Indies gain from the recent glories.
Russell Domingo as South Africa coach
The Protea coach is under pressure heading into this tournament. South Africa slipped to number 6 from number 1 in Test Rankings. They could not make it to the Semi-Finals of the World T20 in India and there is growing concern about the future of Russell Domingo.
His contract will expire on April 2017 and perhaps this series will give him an opportunity to redeem himself ahead of a very important and hectic schedule.
The man himself sounded very confident and said he is excited to work with a new bunch of players but then results should also back his talk.
The absence of Dale Steyn
There is a growing concern about the future of Dale Steyn in limited overs format. He was not a confirmed starter for the South African team in the World T20. Also, he warmed the benches for most of the matches for Gujarat Lions in the IPL.
His exclusion from the squad has raised many eyebrows, but the man himself is not giving up hopes. He has been snapped up by Glamorgan for the Natwest T20 blast.
Steyn's absence will pave the way for the next crop of bowlers and in Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell, and Chris Morris, there are enough capable replacements to step up. Their journey and performance will be closely monitored.
The growth of Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa has earned quite a reputation for himself, more so after the Indian Premier League where he was one of the brighter sparks in an otherwise dismal campaign for the Rising Pune Supergiants.
He played only 5 matches but picked up 12 wickets including the 6-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which was the best figures this season.
The young leggie was also impressive in the World T20 and if he continues his good form, Australia would have found their new leg spinner in the shortest format. The conditions in the Caribbean will also suit him as the pitches are generally low and slow.
After his exploits in the IPL, there is bound to be more expectations from the young man.
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
