Players’ safety was a big concern here at MCG: Finch

The stage was set, one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket – Australia taking on England – in front of 90,000, in what was a virtual quarter-final game. All of this was on the cusp of happening only for rain to parade on the rivalry. The persistent showers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ensured that the two teams only got a point each, playing the ultimate spoilsport. 

Australian skipper, Aaron Finch admitted that the players’ safety was a very big concern and that ultimately played a big hand in the match being called-off. One of Victoria’s very own, Finch also said that he hasn’t seen the stadium any wetter than Friday (October 28), with both the clashes being washed out. 

“The outfield has taken a drenching over the last couple of weeks. That's the wettest I've ever seen in this stadium. The run-ups were a real issue and around the inner circle, it was very wet. It's more about players' safety,” Finch showed his concern after the clash. 

“We saw one of the Zimbabweans go down the other day. If you are trying to run there, it's going to be a real issue. Everyone was ready to play, there was a great turn-out, disappointing not to get on. The amount of rain that Melbourne has had has been amazing,” he added.

One of the mysteries that surrounded today’s clash, was whether Matthew Wade would have played. Finch admitted that the southpaw was going to play against England, if not for the rain. 

“He (Wade) was going to play tonight. He had few symptoms yesterday but he was good to go.”

Buttler has his say

Jos Buttler was on the verge of playing his 100th T20I, however, the rain has played a spoilsport. Buttler stated that MCG would have been a great place for the right-hander to bring up his milestone game. 

“Was supposed to be a massive occasion, full house here against Australia, biggest game of your career, very disappointed not to be able to play tonight. Would have been a great place to do it (100th game). But full focus on our next match and keep our tournament alive,” Buttler said. 

Coming into the World Cup, England trashed Australia across two games in a three-match T20I series before beating Pakistan in their warm-up fixture. Buttler calls it time for them to put forward their best leg to qualify from Group 1. 

“We've been playing some good cricket leading into the tournament. Really disappointing the other night specially when we had majority of things in our favour. We don't become a bad team overnight. We are full of match-winners. Looking forward to the rest of the tournament.”

"The guys are rested up well and we were ready to play tonight as well. Few days now to clear everything out, have a couple of good training days and then look forward to the next game."