Australia coach Andrew McDonald has said players are not choosing which series they want to play. He rejected the idea and explained that the team management is making decisions after looking at the schedule and workload.
McDonald spoke after questions came up over the absence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood from Australia’s tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh in June. The three fast bowlers are not part of the squad despite taking part in the IPL.
He said, “Many people think players are deciding which series they want to play and which they do not. That is not the case. Decisions are being made by looking at the schedule ahead.”
Australia will play three ODIs in Pakistan before travelling to Bangladesh in June. The first match against Pakistan on May 30 in Rawalpindi is the only game that falls during the IPL. The rest of the matches will take place after the tournament ends.
Injuries also played a big role in Australia’s decision. Cummins missed the first phase of the IPL because of a back problem. Hazlewood has been dealing with hamstring and Achilles injuries. Starc has also been carrying shoulder and elbow issues.
McDonald said Australia do not want to push the players too much at this stage of the season.
He said, “They want to play. But we do not think giving them more cricket right now would be the right decision. There are many big challenges ahead. They need to stay fresh for that.”
The Australia coach also said age is becoming important in managing players. Cummins is now 33 years old, while Hazlewood and Starc are 35 and 36.
He said, “The players are getting older as well. We have to be careful with workload management.”
Australia will still bring a strong squad to Bangladesh. Mitchell Marsh will captain the side in all six matches. Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green are also in the team.
Bangladesh and Australia will play three ODIs in Mirpur on June 9, 11 and 14. The teams will then move to Chattogram for three T20 matches on June 17, 19 and 21.
