In a three-day tour match that concluded on Friday in Adelaide, the West Indies, featuring a young and relatively inexperienced squad, managed to secure a morale-boosting draw against Cricket Australia XI.
The Caribbean team, facing the formidable Australian side, demonstrated resilience and determination.
Resuming on 137 for 3, the Windies batsmen showcased their skills as they reached 315 for 5 declared. Joshua DaSilva, with an overnight score of 55, played sensibly to add 50 more runs, reaching a personal milestone of 105. His partnership with Kevem Hodge contributed to a crucial 150-run partnership.
Hodge, adding to his 44, fell just short of a century, dismissed for 99.
Justin Greaves contributed 41 not out, and Zachary McCaskie scored 25, presenting a solid performance in Australian conditions ahead of the upcoming first test.
Australia, facing an academic target of 363 on the final day, encountered stiff opposition from Kevin Sinclair, who claimed 3 wickets.
The Caribbean bowlers, including Gudakesh Motie and Greaves, reduced the hosts to 149 for 5 at the close of day 3, resulting in a draw.
In the earlier innings, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, the West Indies declared at 251 for 8, with half-centuries from Kraigg Brathwaite, Kevem Hodge, and Justin Greaves.
Liam Haskett took 3 wickets, while Jack Nisbet and Doug Warren claimed two each for Cricket Australia XI.
The Australian team, in their first innings, was dismissed for 174, with Tim Ward scoring 50.
West Indies bowlers Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph each took two wickets in the host’s first innings.
The match concluded in a stalemate, showcasing the under-strength West Indies squad featuring uncapped players like Zachary McCaskie, Tevin Imlach, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Kevin Sinclair, Akeem Jordan, and Shamar Joseph.
The upcoming schedule for the West Indies includes two test matches starting next Tuesday, followed by three T20 and three ODI matches in Australia later next month.