Australia won the toss and chose to field in the first Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final at The Oval on Tuesday afternoon, backing their undefeated run and the look of a pitch carrying a faint tinge of green.
Captain Sophie Molineux, leading Australia in her 50th T20I, explained the call at the toss. “It looks like a good pitch to come out here and hopefully put a bit of pressure early,” she said, running a hand across the surprisingly furry surface. “It does look a bit furrier than yesterday. I think it’s grown overnight.”
Hayley Matthews admitted she would have preferred to bowl first as well, but the West Indies skipper must now marshal a batting line-up that has blown hot and cold all tournament. Her side only squeezed into the last four after defeats to England and Ireland left them relying on England to eliminate New Zealand.
There was early concern when senior all-rounder Deandra Dottin, named in the XI, had to be carried from the outfield to the medical room during the warm-ups. West Indies made one alteration from their loss to Ireland, bringing in off-spinner Karishma Ramharack for teenager Ashmini Munisar.
Australia, in contrast, kept faith with the XI that knocked India out in their final group match. The holders have yet to drop a game, their progress built on a deep all-round unit and a seam attack enjoying English conditions.
Teams
Australia: Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux (capt), Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton.
West Indies: Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack.
Quick take
• Pitch: fresh grass, likely to suit seamers early before flattening.
• Form: Australia unbeaten; West Indies scraping through.
• Key watch: Matthews v Perry – ball and bat – could tilt momentum inside the powerplay.
Play was set to begin under hazy skies, with both camps stressing calm over hype. The Oval crowd, a healthy weekday turnout, settled in hoping for a contest that lasts rather longer than the coin toss.
