Published: Apr 02, 2014, 04:12 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 02, 2014, 04:12 PM (IST)
Sydney: Apr 2, 2014
Australian opener Aaron Finch has defended his team’s decision to snub specialist spinners for the dead rubber ICC World T20 2014 match against Bangladesh, saying that it was the right call.
Despite spinners dominating the short-form tournament, and spinners from India, Pakistan and the West Indies generating great purchase from the Dhaka wicket that hosted all of Australia’s games, coach Darren Lehmann opted against playing either veteran left-arm chinaman bowler Brad Hogg or rising young leg-spinner James Muirhead.
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According to the Sydney Morning Herald, although the decision brought the ire of many Australian cricket greats, particularly Shane Warne, however, Finch said that the proof was in the pudding, with recalled paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile claiming two wickets, while fellow quicks Doug Bollinger, Shane Watson and Mitchell Starc took one apiece.
Finch also said that Bangladesh have not been exposed to pace as often as Australia in their home conditions as they are very good players of spin, adding that he believes the team took the right decision in omitting Hogg and Muirhead as both of them are very attacking and would not have much to work on if their attack does not work.
Doubts have also surfaced about the balance of group that was picked, with chairman of selectors John Inverarity forced to defend the 15-man squad, the report added.
ICC World T20 2014 schedule: Match time table with venue details
