Australia takes on Namibia in T20 WC warm-up game (X.com)

In an unexpected and peculiar turn of events during the T20 World Cup warm-up match between Australia and Namibia, members of the Australian coaching staff took the field to cover for the unavailable players.

The 2024 T20 World Cup madness has begun with several teams playing warm-up games ahead of the June 2 commencement date.

Australia were scheduled to face Namibia on Tuesday in a warm-up game. But thighs took a bizarre turn as Australia struggled to form a full-fledged playing XI due to player unavailability.

Notably, several Australian players were active participants of the IPL 2024 season which concluded last weekend. Hence, the key squad members, such as Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head and many more were given a rest from the warm-up game. 

Unexpectedly, the Australia coaching staff decided to field as substitutes in the warm-up game against Namibia as Australia had just 9 players available. The fielding coach took a catch off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling, whereas chief selector George Bailey also fielded at square leg.

Brad Hodge, 49, was also seen fielding against Namibia alongside Andre Borovec and Andrew McDonald. Luckily, Australia didn’t miss the services of its key members as Namibia succumbed to Australia’s quality bowling attack.

Adam Zampa (3/25) and Josh Hazlewood (2/5) restricted Namibia to 119 total before David Warner and Mitchell Marsh demoralised the opposition with a 39-run partnership in the first three overs. 

David Warner slammed a half-century and stayed not out to wrap up the chase inside 10 overs.

That being said, Australia’s next warm-up game is scheduled against hosts West Indies on Friday. And Australian players’ availability for the upcoming game is still uncertain.