(Image Source: AP)
[Saba Sports News] The scheduling of the five-match T20I series between India and Australia, coming shortly after the ODI World Cup, has faced significant criticism.
Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was one of the first to call out the “outrageous” timing. Ahead of the fifth match in Bengaluru, a former England captain also criticized the series, labeling it “ridiculous.”
“Yeah it was pretty outrageous for the guys that had to stay behind,” he admitted. “It’s a fine line because we’ve got to respect the fact we’re playing for Australia and it’s a series against India which is always really big. But there’s also the human side of it, the boys have just won a World Cup and probably deserve to celebrate for a while and get home to their families. It’s an interesting one. You’d hope there’s not too many of those series put on after big tournaments again.”
Marsh, along with four other Australian cricketers from the World Cup-winning squad, opted out of the T20I series in India, which began just four days after their ODI World Cup clash in Ahmedabad. Notably, David Warner withdrew from the series, while seven others, including Steve Smith, Adam Zampa, and Glenn Maxwell, initially stayed on.
Subsequently, Australia announced further squad changes before the third match, with six players, including Zampa and Smith, returning home early. Marsh, speaking to SEN Radio, acknowledged the importance of representing Australia but emphasized the need for a break after a strenuous World Cup.
Former Australian cricketer Travis Head, the sole player from the World Cup side to stay for the entire T20I series, discussed the situation on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. Michael Vaughan, a former England cricketer, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the series on social media.
“The most ridiculous series … Non of them should have been playing …,” he posted.
He had previously expressed disapproval of the series timing even before the World Cup final, calling it a result of “complete greed and overkill” and lamenting the lack of rest for players after such a major tournament.