Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to attend a Coldplay concert instead of playing in the ODI series decider against Pakistan, leading to mixed reactions among fans and experts.
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins made headlines by missing the ODI series decider against Pakistan
To attend a Coldplay concert with his wife in Sydney. As Australia was competing in a tightly contested series against Pakistan, Cummins, alongside senior players such as Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Starc, was released from the squad to focus on preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
This decision, however, led to a second-string Australian side taking the field, which ultimately lost to Pakistan, giving the visitors their first ODI series win in Australia in 22 years.
In the series-deciding third ODI, played without these key players, Australia struggled, with wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis stepping in as captain.
The hosts managed only 140 runs before Pakistan chased the target down comfortably, securing an 8-wicket victory.
The absence of Cummins, a key performer in the first match, was a significant factor, as he had contributed an unbeaten 32 runs and claimed two wickets, leading Australia to their only win in the series.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Experts
The decision to rest senior players for a series decider sparked criticism, particularly from former Australian captain Michael Clarke.
Clarke questioned the management’s timing, stating,”I’m just a bit confused, so 11 days between now and the first Test (in Perth), why can’t the Aussie boys who are part of this Test series play in the one-dayer. 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. I feel like we obviously don’t care about losing that series,” Clarke said on Big Sports Breakfast.
Clarke argued that the decision could have been made if the series was already decided, but resting players for an ODI that could have been a morale boost was questionable.
“If you’re not going to care, we’re not going to care. You can’t expect the fans to want to come and watch one-day cricket. We are bagging one-day cricket, no one is turning up, hasn’t got the interest.”
The Significance for Pakistan
For Pakistan, the historic series victory over Australia on their home soil was a momentous achievement, as it marked their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, praised his team’s performance, particularly the bowlers who restricted Australia to a low score, setting up a straightforward chase.
The win boosted Pakistan’s momentum as they continue to build a strong team ahead of future international tournaments.
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