The hostile reception Australia can expect when they return to Lord’s next year could be even more intense after two star all-rounders were abruptly withdrawn from the local Hundred side.
Veteran duo Glenn Maxwell and Mitch Marsh were preparing to link up with the Lord’s-based London Spirit in August on AU$230,000 contracts, but agreed on Tuesday to sit out the tournament at Cricket Australia’s request.
A CA spokesperson said the move was designed to ensure the pair were “physically refreshed” ahead of the ODI World Cup in India later this year and World T20 in June after both battled serious injuries last summer.
The withdrawals are a major blow for the fledgling The Hundred competition, as Maxwell and Marsh were poised to be two of the biggest international drawcards in its third season and were expected to form the backbone of the London Spirit side.
The snub could add extra spice to Australia’s return to Lord’s, which has been locked in for 2024 just days after the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow.
The dismissal led to ugly scenes in the prestigious Long Room, with three Marylebone Cricket Club members suspended for harassing the Australian players as they made their way back to the rooms shortly after the dismissal.
Australia will tour England again at the end of the next northern summer for three T20Is and five ODIs, with the fourth 50-over match slated for Lord’s on September 11.
Ahead of his 100th Test match on Thursday, Australian vice-captain Steve Smith reflected on his debut at Lord’s and the Long Room reception he and teammates received on Sunday, saying he was not fazed by the incident and still loved playing at the ground.
“Honestly, it doesn’t bother me, everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“For me, I know the person I am, I know how I want to go about things. I’m out here playing my game and playing for my country, so I’m proud of that.
“If you get yourself in, you can really cash in, so I was pleased to contribute to the win and get myself up on that honours board again.”
