Last Updated on 8 months by Charbel Coorey

Australia cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Namibia in their T20 World Cup warm up, but it wasn’t as routine as it seems. The Australians named just nine players as a number of stars couldn’t lineup due to recent commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL), namely Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis.

Cricket.com.au journalist Louis Cameron confirmed that Australia had to field support staff to complete their XI, namely selector George Bailey and fielding coach Andre Borovec.

“Australia’s #T20WorldCup is about to begin in bizarre fashion,” Cameron tweeted.

“Their IX (not a typo) is fielding first in a warm-up match against Namibia in Trinidad.

“George Bailey (selection chief) and Andre Borovec (fielding coach) will make up the numbers in the field.”

Borovec took a catch to hand Josh Hazlewood his second wicket. The seamer was outstanding, bowling three straight maidens to have figures of 2/0 at one stage. He finished with 2/5 from his four overs.

From there, Namibia were always behind the eight ball even as Australia ended up with four support staff members on the field. Adam Zampa (3/25) and Nathan Ellis (1/17) kept things tight, with the Namibians sprawling to 119/9 courtesy mainly of the 39 they scored off Tim David’s four overs of part-time offspin.

The run chase went even more smoothly. In a pleasing result for Australia, David Warner spent useful time at the crease after a poor IPL, smashing 54* off 21 balls to seal victory with a huge 10 overs to spare.

Reactions: Banter and memes as George Bailey and Andrew McDonald among Australia’s fielders

According to ESPNcricinfo, coach Andrew McDonald, assistants Brad Hodge and Andre Borovec, plus national selector George Bailey were all on the field at one stage. As mentioned, Bailey and Borovec started the innings as the two substitutes.

The memes and reactions were aplenty as Australia began preparations in solid fashion despite the absentees.

Australia’s first match of the T20 World Cup proper will be against Oman on Wednesday 5th June in Bridgetown. Namibia also start against Oman on Sunday 2nd June.