Hayden Walsh Jr: Leading wicket-taker in T20I and ODI series
BY THE NUMBERS
Three ODIs7 wickets at 16.00 with an economy rate of 4.14
Three T20Is
12 wickets at 13.75 with an economy rate of 6.87
Leading wicket-taker for the West Indies in both the ODI and T20I series against Australia
MAKING A MARK IN T20Is
Walsh Jr was also the most impressive bowler in the T20I series against Australia where he picked up twelve wickets in five games at an average of 11.66. West Indies were easily the best team out of the two as they won the series 4-1 and Walsh Jr was the Player of the Series for his strong performance throughout.
Along with Obed McCoy he started off well in the opening fixture, as the duo accounted for seven wickets between them to bowl out Australia for 127. Walsh Jr removed Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott and Dan Christian – three players who are known for their aggressive batting style. Marsh in particular was hitting quite well and had already completed a fifty but Walsh Jr put a stop to his onslaught in the 13th over to end Australia's hopes.
He again picked up three wickets in the next game, dismissing Marsh for the second time in the series as Australia were bowled out for 140. In a low-scoring encounter in Gros Islet, Walsh Jr was the most economical bowler for the Windies, returning 2/18 in his four overs; accounting for Aaron Finch and Alex Carey. While West Indies lost the fourth match, Walsh Jr was once again their star bowler, picking up three wickets and also bowling better than his teammates, particularly when Finch and Marsh were taking the bowling attack apart with their blitzkrieg.
In the final T20I, he scored some handy runs and removed Finch after the Australia captain on 34 had helped the visitors get off to a good start.
CONTINUING THE FORM IN ODIs
Australia won the ODI series 2-1 but Walsh Jr emerged as the highest wicket-taker and was the only Windies bowler that troubled the hosts. He started off with a bang, continuing his form from T20Is and picking up a five-wicket haul in the first match, giving away just 39 runs.
He got only the wicket of Mitchell Starc in the second ODI but was again economical, giving just 32 runs in his 10 overs and slowing down Australia's scoring rate. With the series at 1-1, the third game could have gone either way and although the hosts lost the final ODI, Walsh Jr dismissed Carey, who was looking good at 35.