Big Bash experience tilts scales in England's favour

...But It’s Difficult To Let India’s Batters Play Leagues Abroad, Says Coach Dravid

- Partha Bhaduri

1 India became the first team to lose two matches by a 10-wicket margin in T20 World Cup – to Pakistan at Dubai (DSC) on October 24, 2021 and to England at Adelaide on November 10, 2022. Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and PNG have suffered one defeat each by such a margin in T20 WC.

Adelaide: Alex Hales has played for Melbourne Renegades, Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League. Jos Buttler has played in the Big Bash since 2013, turning out for teams like Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder.

England’s dynamic opening duo chased down India’s runs with practiced ease at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday night while India’s own top-order found run-making difficult and the pitch a bit difficult.

India, in fact, have struggled throughout to adapt to these early summer Australian conditions, ensuring slow starts in the batting Powerplay, while the familiarity of the English batters with these conditions is evident in their march to the World Cup final.

Leaving aside the economics of the IPL, should the Indian cricket board (BCCI) allow some Indian batters in contention for T20I spots to play in these leagues, at least ahead of big events?