On 19 November, Australia took on India in the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad. The clash was highly anticipated, as the sides had won eight and ten consecutive matches respectively to reach the summit clash.
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In the final, Australia chose to bowl first, before restricting the hosts to just 240. In reply, opener Travis Head bludgeoned a century (137) and Marnus Labuschagne scored a half-century (58*) to help chase down the target in 43 overs, and secure the country's sixth World Cup.
"Pretty outrageous" - Mitchell Marsh slams timing of India vs Aus T20I series
However, just four days after the final, the two sides were slated to play each other in the first of the five-match T20I series in India. The Australian team had arrived in India for an ODI series in September, remaining in the country for the World Cup until mid-November, a duration of nearly two months.
Speaking to SEN Radio network in Australia, Australian batter Mitchell Marsh said,
Yeah it was pretty outrageous for the guys that had to stay behind. It’s a fine line because we’ve got to respect the fact we’re playing for Australia and it’s a series against India which is always really big.
But there’s also the human side of it, the boys have just won a World Cup and probably deserve to celebrate for a while and get home to their families. It’s an interesting one. You’d hope there’s not too many of those series put on after big tournaments again.
Seven members of Australia's World Cup squad, as well as travelling reserve Tanveer Sangha were named in the T20I squad to remain in India. However, David Warner pulled out of the squad, and the other six members returned home after the third T20I.
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There have been several concerns over the last few years about the crowded nature of the international calendar, along with the various franchise leagues taking place around the world which may adversely affect the mental and physical health of international players.
"There was no disrespect meant" - Marsh on controversial trophy photo
In the same conversation, Marsh defended the viral photo of him relaxing with his feet on the World Cup trophy. The image had annoyed a section of Indian fans, who saw the gesture as disrespectful.
He said, “There was obviously no disrespect meant in that photo at all. I haven’t given it too much thought, I haven’t seen a lot on social media even though everyone tells me it’s gone off. There’s nothing in that."
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