Why did Head coach and chief selector field for Australia in T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up game against Namibia? Check reason

Australia team had two special players in their line-up as they took on Namibia in their T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up game against Namibia at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on May 28 (Tuesday). As the Aussie side only had 9 available players from their 15-member squad, head coach Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey took part and filled the remaining two spots in the eleven.

Why did McDonald and Bailet take part?

Australia only had 9 available players for warm-up games as 6 of their players were given rest and break to spend some family time at home ahead of the mega tournament. As some of their players were part of the IPL stages, the board thought they deserved some time off before joining the squad. Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell competed in the IPL 2024 Playoffs and were given rest. Marcus Stoinis is yet to join the team too.

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The traveling reserves Jake-Fraser McGurk and Matt Short were with the team too but are not allowed to compete due to ICC rule and this is why, head coach Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey had to field.

Australia beat Namibia by 7 wickets

Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first. They managed to restrict Namibia to 119/9 in 20 overs. Adam Zampa picked up three wickets but the real star with the ball was Josh Hazlewood who bowled three maidens in his four-over spell and also grabbed two wickets. Apart from Zane Green, who scored 38 runs off 30 balls, no other Namibian batter could even cross the 20-run mark.

David Warner was the hero during the second innings. He smashed 54 runs off just 21 balls and helped Australia chase the target by the 10th over itself. Aussies will take on West Indies on the same ground for their second warm-up game on 31st May.

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