(CA Cricket)
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh opted to steer clear of any potential controversy leading up to the T20 World Cup 2024 by refraining from expressing his views on the brief interval between the tournament and the IPL.
The IPL’s 17th edition concluded on May 26, followed swiftly by the commencement of the T20 World Cup on June 2. The proximity of these two events has drawn criticism toward the ICC. While prominent players have yet to voice their concerns regarding this tight scheduling, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner recently acknowledged the chaotic nature of his team’s preparations.
The majority of top-tier teams found themselves unable to assemble their complete squads for T20 World Cup preparations due to IPL commitments. Australia, for instance, had only nine players available for warm-up matches, as notable names like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green were granted additional rest following the IPL. Consequently, Australia had to enlist some members of their coaching staff to fill in for absent players during practice sessions.
I don’t really have an answer: Mitchell Marsh
Although the Australian team management likely desired to ready their squad at full capacity for the tournament, Mitchell Marsh opted not to convey any dissatisfaction on the matter. Addressing the upcoming T20 World Cup, the versatile Australian player stated his intention not to respond to such inquiries, clarifying that he does not hold the authority to make such decisions.
“I don’t really have an answer to that question and I don’t make those decisions – so, as a group we’re here to win. Things may look a little bit disjointed at the beginning and I think most teams are in the same boat with guys that are playing the IPL or coming out of the shop.
“But that’s the nature of the beast of international cricket these days. We come from all over to tours and we’ll get around each other the next few days and come together and kick off,” Marsh said.
Meanwhile, Australia beat Namibia in their first warm-up game before suffering a loss against co-hosts West Indies. The reigning Test and ODI world champions are in Group B along with England, Scotland, Oman, and Namibia. They will open their campaign against Oman on June 5.
