Women’s T20 final: Mitchell Starc hopes similar washout scenario doesn’t befall men in October

It may be too late for the women’s game but the men, ahead of their own version of the World T20 in October, want the ICC to tidy up the washout ruling that this week so cruelly denied England a shot at glory.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: Anya Shrubsole and Sophie Ecclestone of England look on as heavy rain falls during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between India and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 05, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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Mitchell Starc has called on the International Cricket Council to change its rules to mitigate the chances of another wash-out embarrassment at the men’s World Cup.

The Aussie fast bowler flew home from South Africa on Friday night to watch his wife Alyssa play in the women’s final on Sunday at the MCG.

However, Healy’s dream was very nearly dashed by Sydney’s weather, and Starc says the absence of a reserve semi-final day was a major error in judgment which cannot happen again.

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The wet weather rained on England’s parade on Thursday night.

As it stands, the ICC does not have a rest day lined-up for the semis of the men’s World Cup in Australia in October, arguing the rapid nature of the tournament doesn’t allow for any extra dates.

Starc has rubbished that excuse from administrators (especially after last year’s 50-over World Cup contained a spare day for the semis which was needed for India v New Zealand) and is adamant common sense must apply.

England’s women’s side were robbed of their chance to qualify for the final due to a wash-out, and the same fate would have been suffered by Australia if not for a mercurial break in the weather during the semi-final day double-header.

With time to fix it, Starc says the ICC must act for the integrity of the game.

“Considering it’s a double header, there’s obviously no downside for either team with turnaround for time between finals (if there was a reserve day),” said Starc.

Mitchell Starc has called for a weather policy change.

“I think it’s a no-brainer.

“It’s going to be the same thing for our World Cup come October but obviously one that I think should be looked at going forward.

“… I’m sure if both games were washed out everyone would be barking mad at the ICC for no reserve days. In my opinion it’s a no-brainer.”