Into the calm - saying I believe

PL reports: Australia wins by 159 runs

A terrific triptych of half centuries from Australia’s middle men, and an emphatic performance from the bowling cartel has saved the day in Barbados and spared – or at least delayed – Australian cricket an uncomfortable examination.

Top order failures and the potential of back-to-back losses to South Africa and the West Indies had triggered a wave of anxious takes from commentators and the public, and while there are undoubtedly concerns, a win here buys time, and time is what is needed.

Yes, Sam Konstas and Cameron Green both look less than convincing at the top of the order, but the sample size is small and the upside enormous if they can find their feet and make those positions their own by the time Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja leave the dressing room.

Time is needed, too, for Marnus Labuschagne to get his mojo back.

Triptych 1974-77 Art Gallery of NSW by Francis Bacon, a painter who often referenced cricket in his works.

The West Indies had flattered to deceive on the first two days of the match, but in the end, the depth of the Australian batting and the strength of its bowling saw them put daylight between themselves and the opposition in the last stages of the race.