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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Ponting, McGrath inspire Australia to 2-0 lead

Ponting, McGrath inspire Australia to 2-0 lead

May 19, 2003 08:29 IST
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Skipper Ricky Ponting scored an unbeaten 57 as Australia coasted to an eight wicket win over West Indies on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the seven-match one-day series.

The win was set up by a flawless bowling performance, spearheaded by paceman Glenn McGrath who took 4-31 to help skittle West Indies out for just 163 in 49 overs on a good batting wicket.

Australia replied with 166 for two, openers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden barely breaking sweat in a half-century stand at Sabina Park.

West Indies's hopes were briefly revived when Gilchrist (22) was caught at deep square leg from a Corey Collymore delivery.

Ponting took the crease and initially checked the hard-hitting instincts of Hayden until the target was within closer range.

With victory in sight Ponting began using his wristy strokes to full effect, including one mighty six over the covers off the luckless Mervyn Dillon.

Hayden (51) continued to clock up runs, but was caught at the long-on boundary just one ball after reaching his half-century.

Man-of-the-match McGrath and fellow pace bowler Brett Lee had given the West Indies a lesson in tight bowling, including a stream of highly accurate yorkers.

McGrath was relieved to put in a good performance after his on-field row with West Indies' batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan on Monday, which was described by Australian cricket chief James Sutherland as an 'ugly incident'.

Tough Week

"This has been a tough week, and one I'd rather forget," McGrath said. "It was a learning experience, but I am glad to be back in the news for something good."

Lee took 2-22 off seven overs, while Andy Bichel collected the scalps of West Indies skipper Brian Lara and dangerous opener Chris Gayle.

Ricardo Powell top-scored for the hosts with 32.

Australia have won 19 consecutive one-day internationals and their last nine one-day meetings with the West Indies.

"This is something I imagine (our opponents) think about more than us, but obviously we would like to continue the winning streak a bit longer," said Ponting.

West Indies skipper Brian Lara said his side had been let down by poor batting.

"We will keep searching for the right opening combinationÂ… I can promise that there will be an improvement in the next game in St Lucia," he said.

The third match is on Wednesday.

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