Clarke Criticizes Australia's Decision to Rest Players in Decisive ODI Against Pakistan

Former cricketer Michael Clarke slammed Australia's strategy to rest key players in the third ODI versus Pakistan, despite the series standing at 1-1. Clarke cited the ample time between the ODI and upcoming Test series against India as a missed opportunity for Australia's senior players to secure victory.

In a surprising move that attracted criticism, Australia rested several senior players in the third and final ODI against Pakistan, a decision former cricketer Michael Clarke has publicly questioned. Australia's cricket team was level with Pakistan at 1-1 in the series, yet opted to bench prominent players, a move Clarke argues compromised their chance at victory.

During his appearance on The Big Sports Breakfast, Clarke expressed his bewilderment, noting that there were nearly 11 days to recover before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. He suggested that the series outcome against Pakistan was sacrificed with the so-called 'big fish' excluded from the crucial match-up.

Among those rested were Pat Cummins, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, who all have significant roles in the upcoming Test series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to begin on November 22 in Perth, with subsequent matches planned for Adelaide and Brisbane before culminating in the celebrated Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and finally, the Sydney Test in early January.

Australia's ODI campaign commenced with a tight win over Pakistan in Melbourne but faltered with consecutive losses, concluding the series in favor of Pakistan and marking a significant achievement for the visitors on Australian soil.

(With inputs from agencies.)