Midway through India’s successful Champions Trophy run, former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain began stirring the pot by stating that Rohit Sharma’s team is benefiting from playing at only one venue unlike their rivals. India did not go to Pakistan for the ICC tournament because of the geopolitical tensions there; instead according to the Hybrid Model all their games including semifinal and final were played in Dubai. The games not including India took place in three sites throughout Pakistan.
Apart from the two ex England cricketers, Rassie van der Dussen and Pat Cummins also stated their views on Indian players not needing to travel throughout the match. After the team was eliminated in the semifinal round by New Zealand, South African David Miller expressed his displeasure with the “not perfect” semifinal calendar.
While commending India for adapting their play to the circumstances, Australian great Glenn McGrath disagrees and feels India did not have an “unfair advantage.”
McGrath advised The Times of India: “This is the way it is. ” India doesn’t go to Pakistan any longer. Only the games had to be conducted in Dubai was another thing. You have to credit India; they adapted their play to the circumstances. They can play on tracks that spin.
“Those people didn’t have an unjust edge, I believe.” He went on to say that it is similar to stating that there is an unfair advantage if India plays every game in India and if Australia plays every game in Australia.
Widely considered one of the best fast bowlers to have played the game, McGrath noted how the IPL has benefited India’s one-day cricket.
One-day cricket has been favorably affected by their T20 and IPL cricket. India are confident and they know their game well,” he said.
“While it’s vital to preserve Test cricket, one-day internationals and World Cups are equally valuable.” India have great knowledge of the one-day international. Other teams will find it difficult to come to India and compete strongly. I prefer them to be challenged, but India is a top team,” he said.
