Pakistan had just levelled the three-match ODI series by 1-1 with an emphatic nine-wicket win in Adelaide. The third ODI, which turned out to be the series decider, was slated to be played in Perth. But ahead of the crucial game, Australia captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith were rested and the reason was reportedly to provide ample time for the trio to prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
As it turned out, Pakistan orchestrated a surprising eight-wicket victory, thus winning their first ODI series in Australia after 22 years. At the same time, Cummins who did not take the field, was under intense scanner for his off-field actions. He was seen attending a Coldplay concert with his wife at the Accor Stadium in Sydney as Australia succumbed on the other side of the country. Former Australia skipper, Michael Clarke has shown remorse and stated that he would have been taken apart by the media if he were to be in Cummins’ place.
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“I think I would have been absolutely smashed by the media. I think I’ve said over the last few days how I felt about the Test players missing that last one day. I would have liked to have seen them play that game. There was 11 days from the last one-dayer to the first Test, so I thought they could have all played. If Cricket Australia wanted to rest the fast bowlers, I understand that, but I’m pretty sure the batters that were left out probably could have played,” Clarke said to ESPNcricinfo.
It is worth noting that Australia will take on Pakistan in a three-match T20I series. The first game will be held on Thursday, November 14 and the series will conclude with a game in Hobart on Monday, November 18. Cummins, Starc and Smith have been exempted from featuring in the T20I series with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy scheduled to commence from Friday, November 22.
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