Australia lost to West Indies by 35 runs in their last Twenty20 World Cup warm-up match. In Thursday's match in Port of Spain, Mitch Marsh's team once again had to rely on support personnel to fill in as substitute fielders due to several players who are still out due to Indian Premier League commitments.
Marcus Stoinis, an all-around player, was ruled out of the match after his kit was lost during transit to Trinidad, dealing Australia even another setback.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Australia defeated the West Indies 257-4, reaching 222-7 in response. The game's pivotal moment came when No. 3 Nicholas Pooran struck 75 off 25 balls, giving both teams respectable chances to advance further in the World Cup.
After a stellar IPL season with the Lucknow Super Giants, Pooran made it clear what he meant to do by hitting sixes off the first three balls he faced.
To Ashton Agar's dismay, fielding coach Andre Borovec handed Pooran a life, but fellow substitute fielder George Bailey, Australia's head selector, did not let his opportunity from Adam Zampa's bowling to waste.
Tim David (1-40) bowled four off-spin overs and concluded as Australia's most economical bowler, removing Rovman Powell (52) after the West Indies captain achieved his half-century.
Australia's opener Agar (28 off 13 balls) came as a surprise, moving captain Marsh (four) to first drop.
Josh Inglis, the wicketkeeper, was the highest scorer with 55 runs off 30 balls, which included four sixes and five boundaries. With time running out, the Australians were unable to chase the needed 258 runs.
Australia's World Cup group stage opener against Oman is scheduled for June 6 in Barbados.