Green fifer helps Australia crush Zimbabwe

The Baggy Green and fishing gear of the late Australian cricketer Andrew Sydmonds are left on the wicket at lunch break during the first ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe at Riverway Stadium in Townsville on August 28, 2022. Photo: AFP

A maiden five-wicket haul by seamer Cameron Green on Sunday set Australia up for a five-wicket victory in the first one-day international against Zimbabwe in Townsville, which is hosting the first series between the sides Down Under since 2004.

Sent in to bat in blustery overcast conditions, the 13th-ranked tourists were bowled out in 47.3 overs for 200. The total never threatened Australia’s experienced batting unit, which accelerated to 201-5 with 99 balls to spare.

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Sloppy fielding allowed Zimbabwe’s fragile top-order to make a promising start, easing to 61-1 by the first drinks break with Innocent Kaia caught and bowled for 17 by Mitchell Marsh.

After Adam Zampa (3-57) spun two quick wickets, 21-year-old Wesley Madhevere (72) batted cautiously with skipper Regis Chakabva (31), sharing in a partnership of 63.

The lower-order capitulated spectacularly though, swinging wildly against Green (5-33), whose entire haul came from catches in the deep while the final four wickets combined for 12 runs.

A tribute to former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds, who died in a car accident outside Townsville in May, preceded the hosts’ innings, which started emphatically with a boundary from the first ball.

David Warner and Steve Smith (48 not out) batted with freedom in pursuit of a low target after Aaron Finch departed for 15.

Warner survived a dropped catch on 36 off Sikandar Raza, and two balls later he walked after wicketkeeper Chakabva immediately reviewed for caught-behind.

However, the review was deemed to have insufficient evidence to overturn the not-out decision, causing the opener to trudge back out to the middle.

The off-spinner soon had his man though, clean bowling Warner for 57.

Australia’s middle-order faltered, conceding three wickets to Ryan Burl’s leg-breaks, but Glenn Maxwell bludgeoned 32 from 9 balls to seal the game.

The three-match series continues in Townsville on Wednesday.