Indian players and an acquiescing cricket board may have been blamed for putting the big bucks of IPL over proper preparation for international battles, after the England rout. However, they are not alone when it comes to the frenzied chasing of T20 glory at any cost.
It appears things are not very different even in Australia. Test hopeful Ed Cowan has been withdrawn from the Chairman’s XI side that is due to face India in their first practice match ahead of the Test series Down Under.
Instead, the in-form 29-year-old opener will turn out for Sydney Sixers in Friday's T20 Big Bash League opener.
This despite the fact that Cowan was initially named captain for the two-day game to be played at Manuka Oval, Canberra from Thursday. The Sixers management struck a deal with Cricket Australia to pull out Cowan, who will now play only in India's second warm-up game, a three-day tie starting on Monday.
“Ed is a great signing for the Sydney Sixers and we are excited to have him on board,” Sixers boss Stuart Clark was quoted as saying. “We really appreciate the support of CA with this decision and thank them for working with us on this particular issue.”
CA General Manager Team Performance, Pat Howard, said: “Our long term planning for the Boxing Day Test had been based around the principle that all fit players would be available for round one KFC T20 Big Bash League games and then their focus will turn towards their individual preparation plans for the first Test against India.”
{{/usCountry}}CA General Manager Team Performance, Pat Howard, said: “Our long term planning for the Boxing Day Test had been based around the principle that all fit players would be available for round one KFC T20 Big Bash League games and then their focus will turn towards their individual preparation plans for the first Test against India.”
{{/usCountry}}With inputs from PTI