New Zealand’s left-arm quick, Trent Boult, criticized Michael Clarke for one of his comments on the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee ODI series.
After Australia’s fifth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup win, Clarke suggested that the upcoming games should not have been scheduled, and the season should have culminated after the multilateral tournament.
“Absolute token games of cricket,” commented Clarke on Big Sports Breakfast.”To be honest, I can’t believe it. I’m a cricket fan through and through, but whoever has made the decision to put these three ODIs on, it’s footy season,” the former Australian captain added.
Australian men’s team also completed their limited-overs tour of South Africa, after the final game at Potchefstroom on Saturday.
“Cricket season is finished. What a great way to finish it with the women winning the World Cup as well. I’ll be very surprised if anybody turns up to watch those games,” predicted Clarke.
On the contrary, Boult regarded the upcoming ODI matches will be competitive and was very much looking forward to playing in Australia.
“Michael Clarke doesn’t sound too happy for some reason, I don’t know what’s got under his skin. I don’t know why the series is token. There’s a good trophy up for grabs between both teams and we can’t wait to hopefully lift it,” Boult told a journalist according to cricket.com.au.
Australians are coming off a whitewash ODI series defeat in South Africa, while New Zealand is flying high by completing a clean sweep in the ODI and Test series against India.
“Australia’s an awesome place to play cricket. They’re big stadiums compared to the ones here. I’m sure there will be a crowd there with a few supporters. I’m already ready to hear some sledging and a few other things. It’s going to be an exciting series, no matter what some people are saying.” concluded Boult.
The first and the second ODI will be played at SCG on March 13 and 15, respectively, while the final ODI will be played at Blundstone Arena at Hobart on March 20.
