XtraTime Web Desk: Great news for two-time Indian Premier League(IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders as their England & Australia cricketers Eoin Morgan, Tom Banton & Pat Cummins have safely reached Abu Dhabi ahead of the beginning of IPL 2020. KKR tweeted pictures of some of their England and Australian contingent arriving, dressed in PPE kits on Friday morning.
On Thursday night, Rajasthan were the first team to announce the arrival of some their British and Australian stars.
SunRisers Hyderabad also revealed that Australians David Warner and Mitchell Marsh along with Englishman Jonny Bairstow had reached the UAE.
The English and Australian players reached the UAE following the culmination of the three-match ODI series on late Wednesday night. Australia secured the ODI series 2-1 thanks to brilliant centuries from Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey in the dramatic series finale.
World champions England had a nightmare start, reduced to 0-2 thanks to Mitchell Starc’ scintillating opening burst. However, Jonny Bairstow, who will be playing for the SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2020, struck a fine hundred to revive England’s fortunes.
Sam Billings (57) and Chris Woakes (53 not out) also hit crucial half-centuries as England posted 302 for seven in 50 overs.
Australia seemed down and out after being reduced to 73 for five but a record sixth-wicket partnership for Australia (212 runs) between Carey (106) and Maxwell (108) helped the visitors come back from the dead and win the match with two balls remaining.
The IPL 2020 begins with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings on September 19.