Published 18:39 IST, November 11th 2024
It Was Series On The Line: Cummins Bashed For Attending Coldplay Event As Pakistan Humiliate Aussies
As Australia prepares to face India in a five-match Test series starting November 22, the team's performance and Pat Cummins' leadership will be under scrutiny.
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has faced criticism for attending a Coldplay concert while his team was defeated by Pakistan in the third ODI, resulting in a series loss for Australia. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke slammed Cummins and Cricket Australia for resting key players, including Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, for the third ODI, citing preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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Michael Clarke slams Pat Cummins
Michael Clarke expressed confusion over the decision, stating that with 11 days between the ODI and the first Test, the players could have participated in the one-day game. He also pointed out that Pat Cummins was spotted at a Coldplay concert, implying that the captain's priorities were misplaced.
"I’m just a bit confused, so 11 days between now and the first Test, why can’t the Aussie boys who are part of this Test series play in the one-dayer," Michael Clarke said on his Big Sports Breakfast radio show.
“They are going to go to training and get flogged. If Australia had won the first two games, then you can understand why they rest their big fish, but it was series on the line."
Michael Clarke criticized Cricket Australia for not giving enough importance to ODIs, which has led to a decline in interest and attendance. He emphasized that the team's performance and priorities reflect the administration's attitude towards the format.
"You can’t expect the fans to want and come and watch one-day cricket. We are bagging one-day cricket, but no one is turning up, hasn’t got the interest, I wonder why. I feel like we obviously don’t care about losing that series. If you’re not going to care, we’re not going to care. I think we have it wrong. I understand resting for Test cricket, I love that, but it's a one-day game. They are going to bowl more than that at training," he added.
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Australia's loss to Pakistan marked the first series win for the visitors in Australia in 22 years. The defeat has raised questions about Australia's team selection and priorities, with Clarke calling for a reevaluation of their approach to ODIs.
As Australia prepares to face India in a five-match Test series starting November 22, the team's performance and Pat Cummins' leadership will be under scrutiny.
Updated 18:42 IST, November 11th 2024