Australia's ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins was released from the squad ahead of the series decider against Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan. Cummins along with other senior players including Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Starc were released citing Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 preparations. However, as Pakistan won their first ODI series on Australian soil in 22 years, Cummins attended the Coldplay band's concert in Sydney with his wife Becky.
Earlier, in the first ODI, Cummins turned out to be the difference between the two sides at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). In the low-scoring run chase of 204, Cummins scored an unbeaten 32 off 31 balls to lead Australia home. He bagged a couple of wickets as well.
In the second ODI, Australia suffered another collapse. This time even Cummins could not save them as he managed to score 13 runs from 17 balls down the order. He remained wicketless with the ball as Pakistan won by nine wickets to make a comeback in the series.
In the series decider, a second-string Australian side was bowled out for 140. In Cummins' absence, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis led the side. Pakistan chased down the non-threatening target with eight wickets in hand and 23.1 overs to spare to win series 2-1.
Cummins will be seen in action in the series opener against India at Perth Stadium on November 22.
Clarke unhappy with key players missing decider
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke slammed the team management for releasing players and leaving a second-string side for the series decider.
"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 feels that the fans will feel betrayed and won't care if the players don't show interest.
"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."
