Reserve days a ‘no brainer’, says Starc

Mitchell Starc says it's "a no-brainer" for reserve days to be introduced for all knockout games at world cricket events, with the men's T20 World Cup this year at risk of being hijacked by rain like the women's tournament was this week.

Australia's rain-reduced semi-final win that set up a dream women's T20 World Cup final against India has somewhat glossed over the fact that England were knocked out of the tournament when their semi-final was completely washed out.

Despite there being a two-day break between the semi-finals and the final, no reserve days were scheduled in the case of rain, meaning England were sent home despite a ball not being bowled.

Starc said the fact the rain eased for long enough to allow the Australians to qualify for what looks set to be a record-breaking final at the MCG shouldn't mask the need for a rule change."I'm sure if both games were washed out, everyone would be barking mad at the ICC for no reserve days," Starc said before he flew home from Australia's tour of South Africa to watch wife Alyssa Healy play in the final.

"In my opinion, it's a no-brainer. Considering it's a double header, there's obviously no downside for either team with turnaround for time between finals.There are currently no reserve days scheduled for the semifinals of the men's T20 World Cup later this year and Starc is unsure if the International Cricket Council will adapt in the seven months before the tournament begins and make a change.

"I only heard the other day that it's the same (rules) for ours," he said. "It's not for me to change the rules. It's up to the ICC. "If that's the way they go for our World Cup, I think it needs to be looked at for World Cups and all world events going forward."