London, September 22: Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has always been against 7-match ODI series and feels that the recent one against England did no good to both the teams just ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Ponting criticised the series, which Australia won 6-1, to be too lengthy and has adversely affected both the teams’ preparations of the mega-event in South Africa.
The 7 ODI series finished in Durham on Sunday, after which, both the teams left for South Africa immediately.
“I’ve always been against seven-match series,” Ponting said. “Every other team is in South Africa playing practice matches while we’re finishing off this series. We know the reasons for it, but seven games head to head is a bit too many.”
The ODI series against England lasted for almost a month and was seen as a poor and deliberate attempt to advertise the limited-overs format.
The 6-1 victory did boost Australia’s morale ahead of the Champions Trophy, but Ponting feels that the tam should not get ‘carried away’ with the success.
“We can’t get carried away with what we’ve done,” Ponting said. “We’ve got a few big games coming up in South Africa.”
Australia have been placed in Group A of Champions Trophy along with India, Pakistan and West Indies. The tournament will be good change to Australia, especially after the Ashes and the ODI series in England.
Ponting said though his team lost the urn for the second time under his captaincy, he had a great time in England.
“This has been if not the most enjoyable then one of the most enjoyable tours I’ve been on – and we lost the (Test) series as well,” Ponting said.
“I’ve enjoyed it from the start until the last ball was bowled. There was a lot made of the booing stuff that took place early on – that wasn’t a big deal as far as I was concerned. I enjoyed the contest that was on the field with England through the Ashes series and I’ve enjoyed the games I’ve played here through the one-dayers.”
—Agencies