The three-match ODI series was just tied 1-1 after Pakistan’s decisive nine-wicket victory in Adelaide. Perth was supposed to host the third ODI, which ultimately proved to be the series decider. However, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Australia captain Pat Cummins were rested before the pivotal match, supposedly to give the three players enough time to be ready for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
With a stunning eight-wicket victory, Pakistan ultimately won their first ODI series in Australia in twenty-two years. At the same time, Cummins was being closely watched for his off-field behaviour even though he did not play. He was spotted with his spouse at a Coldplay show at Sydney’s Accor Stadium as Australia collapsed across the nation.
In an apology, former Australia captain Michael Clarke said that if he had been in Pat Cummins’ position, the media would have criticised him.
“The media would have likely completely destroyed me. Regarding the Test players missing that final day, I believe I have expressed my feelings over the past few days. Seeing them play that game would have been nice. Since the first Test was eleven days after the final one-dayer, I believed they could have all participated. Although I can see Cricket Australia’s desire to rest the fast bowlers, I believe the hitters who were left out could have still played,.
Noteworthy is the fact that Australia will play Pakistan in a three-match Twenty20 International series. Thursday, November 14 is the date of the opening game, and Monday, November 18, is the date of the series finale in Hobart.
Also Read: ‘Above my pay grade’ – Josh Inglis on tight schedule, player unavailability for Pakistan T20Is
Because the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to start on Friday, November 22, Cummins, Starc, and Smith will not be playing in the Twenty20 International series.
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