Head Coach ‘Andrew Macdonald’ and Chief selector ‘George Bailey’ take the field as substitutes (source: ABP NEWS Network)
In an extraordinary turn of events during Australia’s first warm up game against Namibia, the head coach Andrew
Macdonald and selector George Bailey geared up to fill the vacant positions of the nine men Australian team. It was a joy for fans to see the veterans taking the field once again with skipper Mitchell Marsh leading from the front.
Unavailability of key players like Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc due to their IPL contract they had to stay back in India as the teams they’re part of reached the playoffs that are KKR, RCB and SRH, leading to this unprecedented decision of including the coaching staff in the game.
Hazlewood and Warner shines as coaches pitch in as substitutes.
Despite being short of players, the team performed exceptionally well against Namibia with coaches including head coach Andrew Macdonald, assistants Brad Hodge, Andy Borovech and chief selector George Bailey being the first choice subs when play began. Warner and Hazlewood shines with Hazlewood delivering an exceptional opening spell without conceding any runs in his three overs and taking two crucial wickets with second being of Nikolaas Davin that was caught by the fielding coach Andy Borovech himself.
David Warner capitalised the powerplay amazingly with an impeccable 20 ball Half-Century including three powerful sixes off
Tangeni Lungameni. It was much needed for Warner before league matches after his injury spent lackluster IPL Season. His incredible start helped Australia in this chase.
Josh Hazlewood’s incredible comeback in T20 cricket (Source: ESPNCricinfo.com)
This victory sets the positive tone for Australia’s upcoming games both in the
next warmup against the hosts West Indies and main league matches starting from 2nd June, 2024. “The ball felt like it was coming out pretty good, in West Indies it’s just about keeping it pretty simple, sticking to the top of the stumps, not doing much and letting wicket do its work”, said Hazlewood.
Australia are looking strong ahead of T20 world cup as they look to add another trophy to their cabinet with new captain in command ‘Mitchell Marsh’. Once the key players join, it will be a tough challenge for opponents to defeat Kangaroos.
