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Jonathan Trott backs ICC despite scheduling criticism

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Last updated on 28 Oct 2022 | 09:04 AM
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Jonathan Trott backs ICC despite scheduling criticism

Trott also expressed his frustration over a lost opportunity against Ireland

Jonathan Trott knows a thing or two about playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the venue is one of the iconic ones in world cricket, a dream for several cricketers. But the persistent rain in Victoria, particularly Melbourne, has played a spoilsport to several encounters, including the opening game from Friday between Afghanistan and Ireland. 

Whilst there have been several criticisms from around the cricketing corner, Afghanistan’s head coach, Trott backs the International Cricket Council (ICC) and insists that they have always put a lot of diligence and effort into the thought process. Logistically too, Trott doesn’t believe that ICC could have done anything better. 

“No, I don't think you can have backups and all that sort of stuff because the logistics of it all to put on a World Cup is huge. The ICC always put a lot of diligence and effort into their thought process. Who would turn down an opportunity to play at the MCG two matches like we had scheduled?” Trott said at the post-match press conference. 

“So, we were very excited. We thought it was on the books. It was going to be some spectacular games, doubleheaders as well. So the people of Melbourne were going to get some fantastic cricket,” he added. 

However, having said that, Trott was frustrated with how the result have panned thus far for Afghanistan, with two washed out games from the three games. 

“It now comes down to we have to win our next two games, which we've played Sri Lanka before and we know each other well. So that should be a good game in Brisbane. That's at the forefront of our minds now,” he insisted. 

“So it is very frustrating. That's what happens this time of year and the beginning of summers. This always has the potential to happen, and it's just really unfortunate.”

England’s big-day fixture against Australia hangs in thin air, following the persistent spell of rain, which has forced a delay. 

“I think for the England game, it's going to have to stop for a little while and dry out. Fingers crossed we can get some cricket in for the crowd,” he adds.

“But around the square where it's run off the covers and it rained the whole of yesterday, didn't it? It rained the whole of last night as well. I woke up and had a look at the radar, and the last six hours it had rained.”

“To be fair, the grounds staff have done an amazing job for the ground to be in the condition it is and for them to almost be able to play after the amount of rain they had. So full credit to the MCG and the people here and the ICC.”

On the other hand, there was a possibility that Ireland could have topped the table, had they beat Afghanistan. Their skipper, Andrew Balbirnie expressed his disappointment, but reckoned that they are looking forward to the clash against Australia. 

“I'm not sure. I think we're second now. There's just so much going on in that group with rained off fixtures and run rate and stuff. But I suppose to still be in the hunt with two games left is pretty good,” Balbirnie said. 

“Yeah, the world champions in their own backyard is something pretty special. I know the group are pretty excited about that challenge. Each game brings its own challenge, and certainly playing the best T20 team as they're champions up at The Gabba is pretty special,” he added.

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