Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has weighed in on Gulbadin Naib‘s controversial tactic during the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Naib, under instruction from Afghanistan’s coach Jonathan Trott to delay play, pretended to suffer from cramps just as rain briefly interrupted the match with Bangladesh close to the DLS par score.
Despite criticism that Naib’s actions went against the ‘Spirit of Cricket’, Afghanistan proceeded to win by eight runs, advancing to the knockout stage. Australian spinner Adam Zampa even mocked Naib’s injury on social media, labeling it as ‘rainstring’.
Clarke shares a similar perspective to Australia captain Mitchell Marsh, who interpreted the incident differently.
“If the sniper got another player of a different team, not mentioning the team, there would be a bit more circus about it. Just let it go and allow Afghanistan to celebrate this win, I think it is that special to them.”
”I don’t think any Australian can be kicking too many stones because we are not squeaky clean when it comes to that type of stuff,” Clarke said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket.
After returning to play, Naib not only bowled without hindrance but also took a wicket and led the celebrations following Afghanistan’s victory over Bangladesh to advance to the semi-finals.
“I would be surprised if there aren’t several players who have played their final T20I match for Australia”- Michael Clarke
Australia’s hopes of securing all major ICC titles simultaneously were dashed following a disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. Back-to-back losses against India and Afghanistan left the team deflated, resulting in a third-place finish in the Super 8 stage.
Given that most of the Australian squad is aged over 30 and lacks specialized players compared to other modern teams, a transition phase seems increasingly likely.
“I think now is the time, to be honest. I used to think, leading up to the World Cup, you play your best team, and age does not matter.”
”But, after the World Cup campaign, the selectors should have an eye on the next World Cup. I don’t think Dave will be the only one who played his last game for Australia,” Clarke said of a potential transition in the same interview.
“I’m not too concerned about how old the players are, but I think with how much cricket we have, and just about all these guys getting involved in the domestic T20 leagues around the world, and not just the IPL.”
”That’s going to take up more time and commitment as well. So, I’d be surprised if there’s not a number of players that didn’t play their last T20I game for Australia,” Clarke added.
Australia needs to seriously reconsider their options after failing to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive time.
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