West Indies will chase 253 for victory against Australia in the rain-affected first One-day International, after a career-best spell from leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr heralded the return of international matches to Barbados, for the first time in 16 months.
Walsh used the familiar surroundings of Kensington Oval and grabbed five for 39 from his allotted 10 overs, and the Australians reached 252 for nine from their allocation of 49 overs in between four stoppages for rain, after they chose to bat.
Walsh is no stranger to the island, having played a few seasons with the Barbados Pride in the Cricket West Indies Professional Cricket League and Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League, and club matches up to last year for reigning Barbados Cricket Association Twenty20 Cup champions, Gladiola.
Returning to Kensington Oval was like coming home and he snuffed out a dangerous late innings flourish to restrict the Aussies after he was belatedly introduced into the attack.
The Windies were under early pressure when ODI debutants Josh Philippe with 39 and Ben McDermott with 28 gave Australia a confident start of 50 inside the first Power Play.
But pacer Alzarri Joseph took two for 40 from his 10 overs and Hosein captured two for 50 from his 10 overs and the Caribbean side had Australia on the ropes on 114 for four in the 26th over.
West Indies met resistance from stand-in Australian captain Alex Carey, whose 67 from 87 balls was the top score, and Turner with 49 from 45 balls, as they put on 104 for the fifth wicket.
Bowling inside the final 10 overs, Walsh turned the tide, removing both in the space of five balls in the 45th over, as the Australians threw caution to the wind.
Summarised scores:
AUSTRALIA 252 for nine off 49 overs (Alex Carey 67, Ashton Turner 49, Josh Philippe 39, Ben McDermott 28, Mitchell Marsh 20, Adam Zampa 12 not out; Hayden Walsh Jr 10-0-39-5, Alzarri Joseph 2-40, Akeal Hosein 2-50) vs WEST INDIES.
(AR)
