Scotland batter Michael Jones has stated that his side is ready to take on Australia in their last group match in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Jones also welcomed comments made by Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood hinting at the ODI World champions manipulating Scotland’s match to knock out arch-rivals England.
Australia have already secured their place in the next round, the Super 8s and Hazlewood suggested that they could ease up in the game against Scotland this weekend.
However, that scenario now appears less likely after England crushed Oman by eight wickets on Thursday to move above Scotland on net run rate with a final game to come against Namibia.
In this case, if England beat Namibia then Scotland will have to overcome Australia to qualify for the Super Eight.
Michael Jones found Hazlewood’s comments hilarious and joked about wanting to see David Warner opening the bowling for Australia.
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“I was watching it live actually, laughing to myself,” said Jones.
“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.”
Jones stated that he thinks that Australia will bring their A-game against Scotland, however, he also mentioned his team’s aim to win and qualify for Super 8s, irrespective of the circumstances.
“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.
“At the end of the day our team wants the best result we can get, but on a personal level you want to challenge yourself against the best,” he said.
READ: Pat Cummins denies Australia manipulating England’s World Cup exit