Former Australian batter Michael Hussey criticised the current congested cricket schedule, particularly slamming the timing of the five-match T20I series between India and Australia right after the ODI World Cup final. Hussey was not happy with this decision, claiming that it devalued the T20I series.
The rapid turnaround meant key players, including six Australians, left after the third T20I to either prepare for the next Test series or take a break, leading Hussey to argue that it wasn't the best Australian T20I team facing India.
"I certainly feel like this T20 series has been devalued. It doesn't cheapen the World Cup but it certainly cheapens this series," Hussey told Sen Radio on Wednesday.
"There would be a number of guys who were at the World Cup (for both nations) would probably be in their T20 teams. They got home to either prepare for a Test series or simply to have a break. This is certainly not the best Australian T20 team going up against the best India T20 team," he added.
Highlighting concerns about the excessive cricket being played, Hussey noted the physical and mental challenges for players participating in multiple tournaments. "It's just amazing how much (cricket boards) pack on a calendar to play so much cricket. It is physically and mentally impossible to play all of the tournaments that are going on," he said.
Hussey wants a bigger role for One Day Internationals (ODIs) on the international calendar. Following the success of the 2023 World Cup, he praised ODI cricket, stating its ability to cater to various player types over 100 overs. According to Hussey, the last World Cup showcased incredible cricket, generating stories that would endure for a century.
"I might be in the minority here but I think (ODI cricket) is a great game. It caters to so many different types of players (and) over the course of the 100 overs, the better team has more of a chance to come out on top.
"The last World Cup was a great advertisement for the game. There was some unbelievable cricket played. There were some stories to come out (of the World Cup) that will live for 100 years," he added.
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