Scotland opener Michael Jones has enjoyed the comments from Australian players through the week about them doing their best to knock England out. Michael Jones, the Scotland opener, said that his side won’t be complaining if David Warner opens the bowling for Australia against them while responding on Josh Hazlewood’s comments. Australia take on Scotland in their final Group B encounter and England’s fortunes depend on that game.
Scotland cricket team has the popcorn in their hands and is enjoying the show being the back-benchers seeing whatever is going on between Australia and England in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. England’s chances in the tournament hang by the slimmest of the threads and one end of it is in Australia’s hands given they play Scotland in their final Group B game in Saint Lucia. Scotland already have reached five points, which is the maximum England can get to and even a close loss against Australia will do for the Richie Berrington side.
Josh Hazlewood’s statement is now a laughing stock for everyone.
Josh Hazlewood saying it would be in Australia’s ‘best interest’ to try and get England out of the tournament has had several reactions while many quoting ICC Code of Conduct stating that it could be a breach if they intentionally manipulate the game or the net run rate. Tim Paine too has made similar comments saying Australia should field half their side and Scotland opener Michael Jones said that they are not complaining at all.
England can match Scotland’s total of five points by beating Oman and Namibia but must do so convincingly then hope Australia win by a margin that allows the defending champions’ net run-rate to surpass that of their rivals. England coach Matthew Mott has said he hopes Hazlewood’s comments about potentially manipulating the net run-rate were “tongue in cheek”.
Hazlewood’s comments have put the spotlight on Australia’s line-up and performance in the game – and could mean a stronger team and a committed attitude.
This statement by Josh Hazlewood has been taken as a laughing stock by Scottish opener Micheal Jones who has made fun about the same .
Scotland’s Michael Jones reacts to Josh Hazlewood’s controversial statement ahead of T20 match.
Scotland opening batter Michael Jones has no reservations about accepting Australia’s help, and joining forces with the opposition in a bid to knock the third part, England out. The Men in Yellow have already qualified for the Super 8 stage, and have stirred up talks of concocting a plan to allow Scotland to get as close as possible so that they have the advantage in terms of net run-rate
England are yet to win a match in the competition so far after their affair against Scotland was washed out due to rain, and their match against Australia ended in a tame defeat. However, their remaining matches are against Oman and Namibia, and wins in those will take their tally to five points, matching what Scotland have in place at the moment.
While the Men in Yellow will not deliberately lose to Scotland in their final group stage game, Josh Hazlewood instigated talks of a plot to maximize the situation and knock England out for everyone’s benefit. Despite it not being encouraged by ICC’s Code of Conduct, former Australia skipper Tim Paine has asked Mitchell Marsh and co. to go at all lengths.
“I was watching it live actually, laughing to myself. I watched that interview and I watched Paine when he was saying they should field half a side. I’m not particularly close to them, I don’t know any of the Australian players, but it would be good if we could have a little word and sort something out,” Jones said
“The rivalry between England and Australia is massive. If they want to play that way then happy days. We won’t be complaining. If they want to let David Warner open the bowling or something like that it would be pretty funny,” he added
The entire situation, barring perhaps Paine, are not taking the situation quite seriously. Right from Hazlewood’s comments to England head coach Matthew Mott’s assurance of the same, there is no sign of something being plotted behind England’s back. However, like Micheal Jones’ comments, such scenarios are fun to think about, and the best scenario in this case is to take them with a grain of salt.
Micheal Jones accepts Australia are extremely professional in World events.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted that they may rest some of their key players for the clash, and there is no malice behind it. The likes of Starc have already suffered an injury scare in the league stages, and some of the other jaded players can also use some time off. With the Super 8 stages and the knockouts being conducted in a short space of time, all of the qualified teams might attempt to do the same.
“The Australians are renowned for being extremely diligent and extremely professional. I’m absolutely certain they will come out all guns blazing like they do for every game at every tournament. I almost hope they do go full strength on Saturday and we can show the cricket world we’re up to the challenge,” Jones said
Scotland’s clash against Australia is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 16 in St. Lucia.