Coulter-Nile bats Australia to victory over West Indies

Pat Cummins celebrates with his Australian team-mates during their dramatic win at Trent Bridge.

Trent Bridge is where, for most of recent history, Australian teams have come to die. They fell narrowly short in a 2013 Test match, before being destroyed by the swinging ball on a the first morning of a Test in 2015, then beaten to a pulp by England's batsmen in an ODI last year. Against the West Indies they seemed destined for a similar fate, losing four early wickets as the ball seamed, swung and reared at helmets and throats.

Somehow though, the Australian’s found a way to scrounge their 10th consecutive ODI victory. The Australians were resourceful in adversity after their top order crumbled to be 4-38 off just 7.4 overs. Oshane Thomas (2/63), Andre Russell (2/41) and Sheldon Cottrell (2/56) were at their menacing best as they brought the might of the Australian’s to their knees. It was Glenn Maxwell’s rash shot selection to being dismissed for a second ball duck that brought Marcus Stoinis to the crease, who then moved the score along to 79. Stoinis’ dismissal saw wicket-keeper Alex Carey come to the crease who, alongside Steve Smith, began the resurrection of Australia’s innings. Unlike those before him, Carey batted with patience, taking 11 balls to get off the mark, before punishing on short and wide balls, while ducking and weaving the dangerous bouncer barrage that was also sent his way.

Even after their 68-run partnership came to an end when Carey was caught behind off Andre Russell for a 55-ball 45, Australia was on the brink of capitulation at 6-147. Steve Smith was joined by the ever improving Nathan Coulter-Nile, bringing up his 50 with a daft glide to third man that was misfielded, before having the best seat in the house as Coulter-Nile pulled and drove the West Indian attack to and over all parts of the Trent Bridge boundary.

The two combined for 102 run stand before Smith was caught by a challenger for catch of the tournament by Sheldon Cottrell. Smith picked up a full pitched ball on his legs and it rocketed towards the boundary, Cottrell made almost 20m along the boundaries edge, before throwing out his left hand, knifing it out of the air. The momentum of the shot would have taken it over the rope, but Cottrell coolly tossed the ball into the field of play, took a number of steps before re-establishing himself in inside the field of play and under the ball to complete the catch. All Steve Smith could do was smile, dismissed for 73, and Cottrell salute. Coulter-Nile would add another 27 to his own tally, as Australia’s innings fell to a close for 288 in the 49th over.

The West Indies had a total they could chase if their top order fired, unfortunately Pat Cummins struck with his fourth ball, removing Evin Lewis caught at second slip by Steve Smith. Chris Gayle would twice be given out in Starcs second over, first caught by Alex Carey with an immediate review showing the ball clipping the off stump and the cause of the woodish noise. On the next legal delivery Starc would pin Gayle on the crease with an in-swinging yorker and umpire Chris Gaffaney once again having his decision overturned on review.

Starc would get his man in the 5th over, trapped in-front despite Gayle reviewing it for a third time, which would show the ball clipping the leg stump and the umpires call remain standing. With the Windies 2-31, it was the next generation in Shai Hope (68) top scoring for the Windies and Nicholas Pooran (40) who combined for a crucial partnership of 68. Jason Holder (51) would also combine with Shai Hope for a crucial partnership, and as Hope fell for 68 in the 35th over, The Windies had moved the score to 190 for the loss of just 5 wickets. The game was evenly poised. Andre Russell and Carlos Brathwaite both chipped in with a couple of boundaries, but it would be Starc who would have the final say, finishing with 5-46 off his 10 overs.

It will be a disappointing loss for the West Indies, who were so dominant and perfectly placed to win the match. They’re current brand of cricket will see them win many games in this tournament, but their lack of a killer instinct may see them fall short in the big moments.

Coulter-Nile had a mixed bag, cementing himself as Australia’s best number 8, but failed to impress as Australia’s third seaming option, failing to pick up a wicket and leaking 16 runs in the final over to finish with 0-70 off 10. Thankfully for the Aussies, the game was all but wrapped up by the start of that final over and it wouldn’t prove costly, with Australia winning by 15.

THE STAR

Nathan Coulter-Nile took the game away from the Windies, notching his first half-century for Australia.

Nathan Coulter-Nile, who’s top score for Australia before this innings was just 34, batted perfectly for the situation, taking on the right balls and doing so with intent, leaving the unplayable ones and rotating strike with Steve Smith when it wasn’t in his wheel house. Unselfishly was caught on the fence in the 90’s chasing quick runs for his team, it was an innings much like Andrew Symonds’ against Pakistan in the ’03 World Cup that not only changed the game, but changed the way he will bat for Australia for years to come. THE MOMENT

Another contender for catch of the tournament by Sheldon Cottrell. (Picture courtesy of Channel Nine)

For a match that ebbed and flowed and that gave us so many great moments, it would be impossible to go past Sheldon Cottrell’s boundary catch of Steve Smith. With Ben Stokes seemingly wrapping up the catch of the tournament in Match 1, Sheldon Cottrell has thrown his hat into the ring. Seemingly, this ball was rocketing over the fence, despite the presence of the big West Indian, who pulled off a piece of athleticism and finesse that no-body thought was possible. Moving 20 meters to his left, his outstretched left hand held onto the catch, before delicately throwing the ball into the field of play to allow him his momentum to move out of the field of play, and then re-establish himself under the ball in the field of play. Take a bow, Sheldon.

THE FAILURE

Maxwell's dismissal had many questioning whether he is the right man for the Aussies.

There were a few for the Australian’s in the top order, but Glenn Maxwell’s rash shot selection just second ball in saw him top-edge a pull-shot that he should have simply left alone. The safe gloves of Shai Hope took the catch easily, giving Cottrell his second wicket an leaving Australia in a precarious position of just 4-39 off 7.4. Maxwell’s failure will likely not get the full scrutiny it deserves, largely thanks to Carey, Smith and Coulter-Nile’s rescue mission.

WHAT NEXT - Australia take on India on Sunday, whilst the West Indies will be favourites to bounce back against South Africa on Monday. TONIGHT - Pakistan take on Sri Lanka from Nevil Road in Bristol.