ESPNcricinfo employees
Michael Jones has given a sign of Scotland’s relaxed way of thinking as they put together for his or her essential Group B showdown in Antigua on Sunday, as he welcomed Josh Hazlewood’s suggestion that Australia would possibly go straightforward on his crew in a bid to engineer an early elimination for his or her arch-rivals England.
Speaking after Australia’s emphatic victory over Namibia on Tuesday – a consequence that secured their development to the Super Eights – Hazlewood had indicated that his crew would possibly be prepared to “drag it out” in the event that they acquired right into a profitable place towards Scotland, to be able to protect their opponents’ web run-price – albeit such a tactic might run the threat of a suspension for his or her captain, Mitchell Marsh, if Australia have been deemed to have contravened Article 2.11 of the ICC’s code of conduct.
Matthew Mott, England’s coach, subsequently dismissed Hazlewood’s suggestion for example of his “very good sense of humour”, and Jones additionally noticed the funny facet of the remarks, as he joked he’d wish to see David Warner open the bowling at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday.
“I was watching it live actually, laughing to myself,” Jones instructed the Press Association, including that he had additionally loved the view of Tim Paine, Australia’s former Test captain, who instructed ESPNcricinfo’s Around The Wicket present that Australia’s gamers ought to “go on holiday … and England can pack their bags”.
“I watched that interview and I watched Tim Paine when he was saying they need to subject half a facet. I’m not notably near them, I do not know any of the Australian gamers, however it could be good if we might have a little bit phrase and kind one thing out.
“The rivalry between England and Australia is very large. If they need to play that manner then comfortable days. We will not be complaining. If they need to let David Warner open the bowling or one thing like that it could be pretty funny.”
More realistically, nevertheless, Jones is braced for the full Australia expertise when the two groups meet on Sunday, and after two spectacular victories over Oman and Namibia, to go alongside a spirited show in the washout towards England, he admitted he and his crew-mates have been relishing the prospect of testing themselves towards one in every of the finest sides in the event.
“At the finish of the day our crew desires the finest consequence we are able to get, however on a private degree you need to problem your self towards the finest,” he stated.
“To have the alternative to bat towards Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, then Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, that is the finest in the world. Those are the alternatives we crave as Scotland groups. You need to problem your self and see how far you go towards these guys.
“The Australians are famend for being extraordinarily diligent and very skilled. I’m completely sure they are going to come out all weapons blazing like they do for each recreation at each event.
“I virtually hope they do go full energy on Saturday and we are able to present the cricket world we’re as much as the problem. I’m completely sure they are going to come out all weapons blazing like they do for each recreation at each event.”