Stand-in Australia coach Justin Langer has spoken about the importance of the one-day international tri-series final against West Indies.Langer's team found out its opponents on Friday, when > West Indies thrashed South Africa to reach the decider.
Sunday's clash marks an opportunity for the host and Australia, and Langer said it mattered plenty to his team. "This team is trying to put its own print on being a great Australian cricket team," he told a news conference.
"We've had great success in the past, we've got a very proud history, we've got high expectation. It counts for little for some of the guys in this team because they're getting involved early in their careers. For some of the guys, they've played World Cup finals, they've played some big games and that experience will be vital.
"For the other kids, they're just finding their way so I hope they'll lift on Sunday."
Impressive Marsh
The last meeting between the teams – on Tuesday – saw Australia claim a > six-wicket win . Mitchell Marsh made an unbeaten 79 to see his team reach its target of 283 with eight balls to spare.
The innings impressed Langer, who hopes the all-rounder can build off the back of those heroics. "Champions don't make mental errors and they get the job done," he said.
"For him to be there at the end was a great achievement for him, it'll be a huge confidence booster for him going forward. That's a huge confidence booster for the Australian cricket team, having a player like him, not only having potential and having talent, but also having performances.
"That's a big innings for Mitch the other night."
Captain Steve Smith (218 runs at 54.5) and Usman Khawaja (203 at 40.60) have performed well for Australia in the tri-series. Marlon Samuels has scored a series-leading 252 runs, while Sunil Narine has taken 11 wickets for West Indies.
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