Marnus Labuschagne Questions Hasty Scheduling of T20 Series After World Cup
Australian talisman battter Marnus Labuschagne has criticized the “astonishing” scheduling of a Twenty20 international series just days after the ODI World Cup. The Aussies, fresh off their World Cup victory, are set to face India in the first of a five-match T20 series on Thursday night at Vizag.
While Labuschagne is not among the players selected for the T20 series, he expressed disbelief at the quick turnaround between tournaments. “It is astonishing that there’s another game on tomorrow,” Labuschagne remarked. “That’s hard to fathom. It’s hard to fathom how those guys are going to be playing in a day’s time.”
READ MORE: Head’s Heroics Lead Australia to Sixth World Cup Title
The tight scheduling has forced several key players, including Sean Abbott, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa, to remain in India for the T20 series. Even head coach Andrew McDonald opted to return to Australia rather than oversee the team during this period.
The decision to proceed with the T20 series has drawn further criticism from teammates who have already returned home. Mitchell Marsh, speaking at Melbourne airport, cast doubt over Travis Head’s availability for the series due to ongoing celebrations following the World Cup victory.
“They’re still going (partying) in India, so I’m looking forward to seeing what pans out over the next few days,” Marsh said. “I’m not sure he will be playing that game. I’m no coach or selector, but if he plays that game it will be a miracle.”
Australia will be Led by Matthew Wade in T20I Series Against India
The packed schedule raises concerns about player fatigue and potential injuries, especially with the first Test of the Australian summer against Pakistan scheduled for December 14 in Perth. The quick succession of tournaments has left players with limited time to rest and recover, potentially affecting their performance and well-being.
READ MORE: Shane Warne Predicted Travis Head will Star for Australia
A similiar scenario came to the surface when England won the T20I World Cup last year in Australia. Just after completing the tournament, they had to play a 3 match ODI series against the home side which was deemed “too much of cricket” by the visitors.
Labuschagne’s comments highlight the challenges faced by players and coaches in navigating the demanding international cricket calendar. The balancing act between fulfilling commercial obligations and ensuring player welfare remains a delicate task for cricket authorities.
