Short-handed Australia edges out Namibia in T20 World Cup warm-up using coaches as subs

Australia defeated Namibia by seven wickets in a T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match on Tuesday at Queen's Park Oval Cricket Stadium, despite fielding only nine players from their T20 World Cup squad and using coaching staff as substitutes.

Australia won the toss and chose to bowl. Namibia, batting first, posted a total of 119 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Namibia's innings struggled early on, collapsing to 50 for 6. However, a recovery was staged by Zane Green, who scored 38 runs off 30 deliveries, and Malan Kruger, who added 18 off 11 balls.

Australia, chasing 120, reached their target comfortably with 10 overs to spare, scoring 123 for 3. David Warner, defying his poor form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), shone with a match-winning 54 runs, including six fours and three massive sixes. Tim David contributed a valuable 23 off 16 balls to secure the win.

Notably absent from the Australian side were Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis, who were resting following the conclusion of the IPL. Consequently, Australia played with just nine of their regular squad members.

In an unusual scenario, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald, along with assistants Brad Hodge and Andre Borovec, and national selector George Bailey, were used as substitute fielders. Borovec and Bailey were the first-choice subs when the match began, providing critical support to the team.

Furthermore, Australia’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, only fielded for half of Namibia's innings.

Australia will face West Indies in their final warm-up match on Thursday at the same venue, as they continue to fine-tune their preparations for the tournament.