Mitchell McClenaghan is quite a controversial figure on Twitter. The New Zealand pacer has often made headlines for the wrong reasons as he is known for contentious remarks. McClenaghan is back in the news as he has made a statement that did not go down well with the Indian Cricket fans.
It all started with McClenaghan’s tweet on AB de Villiers’ retirement post, congratulating him on an amazing career. A Twitter user gave a reply to the seamer, reminding him of New Zealand’s horrendous performance in the ongoing T20 series against India.
Sighting fatigue, McClengahan called the series “meaningless” as he sent a reply to the fan’s tweet. He asserted that the series began just 3 days after the T20 World Cup final in which New Zealand were also involved, while India came to the series after a 10-day break.
“Did they? You mean in meaningless series 72 hours after a WC final defeat with 3 games in 5 days playing a team with 10 days rest in their home conditions?” Mitchell McClenaghan tweeted.
Did they? You mean in meaningless series 72 hours after a WC final defeat with 3 games in 5 days playing a team with 10 days rest in their home conditions? https://t.co/jldmmH58YZ
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) November 20, 2021
Calling an International series “meaningless” is not what you expect from a cricketer. However, it must be noted that New Zealand did not get the rest and the fatigue was clearly visible in the way they played the first two T20Is.
Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson were rested for the T20 series and are currently preparing for the Test matches. Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne and Jimmy Neesham sat on the bench in the first game, while Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra and Todd Astle did not make it to the XI in the next match.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead reflected upon the series scheduling and said, “It’s the first time that I can remember that we’re so quickly into another series immediately at the back-end of the T20 World Cup. It’s definitely tough and challenging but it is what is in front of us.”
Their skipper for the series Tim Southee did not mince words and blamed hectic schedule for his side’s poor performance. “It’s been a hectic schedule, not only this (India T20Is) but obviously on the back of the World Cup. But the guys have got one last push, a number of guys go home after this next game, so hopefully, we can finish the tour on a high.”
The third T20I will be a dead rubber as India had already won the series. However, a win for New Zealand will boost their confidence for the upcoming Test matches.