Packed diary could be T20 boon: Haddin
Oct 27, 2016 - 1:19 AM Australia's maligned international cricket schedule might be a blessing in disguise for Australia to turn around their Twenty20 fortunes, according to Brad Haddin.Cricket Australia copped plenty of criticism recently for cheapening national representation and short-changing fans when they announced a T20 match against Sri Lanka would be played in Adelaide on February 22, the day before the Test side takes on India in Pune.
It means the likes of captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and other Test and T20 regulars for Australia, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, won't be available for the three-match Sri Lanka series.
Shane Watson and Simon Katich are amongst a host of former players that have criticised Australia's heavy workload as all three formats are crammed in, despite many internationals choosing to take the big bucks on offer in the Indian Premier League.
However, former Test wicketkeeper Haddin believes the scheduling will at least mean the best performers from the six-week BBL will get a chance to prove they can help improve Australia's below-par T20 record.
The World T20 title is the only major international crown Australia haven't won, and they failed to get past the quarter-finals of last year's tournament in India.
"I'm actually looking forward to that Twenty20 side," Haddin told Sky Sports Radio on Thursday.
"Traditionally, we haven't played great Twenty20 cricket in tournaments.
"That means they (selectors) will have to pick the best Twenty20 players who perform well in Big Bash, without the Test players there."
Australia, who were also steamrolled 3-0 by India in a T20 series at home in January this year, will be looking to build a squad of fresh faces for the 2018 World T20.
The squad they took to the World T20 tournament this year included Aaron Finch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Andrew Tye and Adam Zampa, all who haven't worn the baggy green, while Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Cameron Boyce and Ben Cutting are others who might enhance their reputations with an opportunity for Australia.
"You give a couple of those guys an opportunity who perform well in Big Bash to play on the international stage - that might be something Australia can look at going forward," Haddin said.
Source: AAP
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