“Health More Important”
Australia coach Justin Langer thinks that IPL is the best platform to prepare for the T20 world cup but admits that the health of everyone is of primary importance.
The tournament, which scheduled to open on March 29th, was shifted to April 15th due to the outbreak of coronavirus, and now many fear that it might be not taking place at all this season.
An Australian media outlet quoted the former Australian opener as saying,” Before this crisis started to unravel, we were determined for our guys to play the IPL.”
He added, “Because with the T20 World Cup coming up, there’s no better grounding, no better practice, no better tournament for them to get ready for that.” “But things have changed a lot. The health of not only our players but also our country and India as a whole is paramount here.”
The Indian government has imposed 21 days lockdown, which will end on April 15th, as a precautionary measure to counter the spread of the fast-spreading virus. This move by the government has created doubts over the happening of the tournament.
The Team Is Very Settled
Langer, who is also a member of the national selection panel, is not worried about selecting the players as he feels the present side is well balanced.
“In terms of selection, I’m not too stressed about it … one or two positions in our World Cup side are up for grabs. It’s a very, very settled team. We played great cricket against South Africa,” he added.
The Australian team has defeated South Africa 2-1 in a three-match T20 series in February.
The world cup is set to take off on October 18th and will end on November 15th. ICC has announced that the mega event will occur as planned in the wake of several sports events getting canceled due to corona fears.
Australia will start its world cup campaign against Pakistan on October 24th.
