Adelaide: Former England captain Tony Greig has labelled the decision to rest Sachin Tendulkar and Mike Hussey during Sunday's tri-series match between India and Australia as a "disgrace".
Expressing displeasure at the rotation policy of India and Australia, cricketer-turned-commentator Greig said the fans and Channel Nine should receive financial compensation. Continue reading below
"TV networks should receive a rebate on TV rights fees if stars are rested and the same should apply to those who have bought tickets," Greig wrote on his twitter page.
"Tendulkar rested - that's a disgrace as is the resting of Hussey!!!! What about the cricket lovers?"
Tendulkar, who is one short of his milestone 100th international century, and Hussey, were rested as per the rotation policy of the two teams.
Channel Nine's executive producer of cricket, Brad McNamara also expressed his displeasure and said he expected the best players to be involved in every game.
"We want the best players playing every game, as simple as that. Anything that affects our viewing audience is an issue, it's as simple as that. If it has the potential to do that, it is an issue," McNamara was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.
"Imagine what it has done to the viewing audience in India?" McNamara said.
"That particular resting probably has more of an issue for the Indian audience although there are a lot of people (in Australia) who like watching Tendulkar bat. We would much prefer he was playing, put it that way."
