Warner, Starc star as Aussies sweep Windies in World Cup prep, but batting issues remain

A barnstorming half-century from David Warner and a career-best four wickets from Mitchell Starc has steered Australia to a commanding 31-run win over the West Indies at the Gabba, but concerns remain over the rest of the batting line-up just weeks away from their T20 World Cup defence.

Warner was at his breathtaking best, hitting ten fours and three sixes on his way to a half-century off just 30 balls, reaching 75 off 41 before top-edging a pull and being caught by bowler Odean Smith.

However, only finisher Tim David (42 off 20) came close to matching Warner’s heroics, the T20 specialist continuing his surge towards a spot in Australia’s first-choice team for the home tournament.

With Cameron Green’s red-hot form at the top of the order fading, Aaron Finch struggling mightily in the middle of the order for a painful 19-ball 15, Steve Smith doing little to justify his spot after being recalled for the rested Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell’s ugly run of scores continuing with a run out for just 1, the Australian brains trust have plenty to work through before their first match against New Zealand on October 22.

Starc was then the chief destroyer with the ball, taking four wickets in an excellent four-over spell which included a stunning reflex catch to remove Windies opener Kyle Mayers, who had hit the left-armer for an extraordinary six over cover just a ball earlier.