England coach Matthew Mott has responded after Australian quick Josh Hazlewood admitted it would be in their “best interests” to attempt to derail England’s hopes at the T20 World Cup in their final group stage game.
After dominating minnows Namibia on Wednesday, recording a nine-wicket victory in less than six overs, the Aussies have now secured a spot in the Super-Eights.
The side have won all three games at the tournament in Group B and are in no danger of being eliminated, but their old rivals England are facing an uphill battle to qualify.
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After an early washout against Scotland, who sit in second spot, England are now required to win both of their remaining games and increase their net run-rate.
Australia’s final game of the group stage will come against Scotland, meaning a dragged-out contest and smaller win margin could see England miss out.
Speaking to reporters, Hazlewood acknowledged the scenario and conceded the major threat of England looming in the finals could impact how they approach the clash.
“Whether you get close and you just knock it around and drag it out, there’s a few options there,” the 33-year-old said.
“I think it’ll become clearer the closer we get to that sort of stuff. In this tournament you potentially come up against England at some stage again and they’re probably one of the top few teams on their day. We’ve had some real struggles against them.
“If we can get them out of the tournament, that’s in our best interests – as well as probably everyone’s. It will be interesting to see. Whether we have a discussion or not and we just try and play it again like we did tonight – that’ll be up to other people, not me.
“To take confidence from winning and winning well, I think that’s almost more important than potentially trying to knock someone else out.”
With Mott’s side under the pump, Hazlewood’s comments add salt into the wounds of their campaign so far.
The coach told BBC Sport of his hope that the fast bowler’s comments were “tongue in cheek”.
“Having grown up in Australia and the will to win every game, I am sure they will come to the fore,” he said.
“I am very much hoping it was an off-hand remark by a really good bloke who is having fun.
“Knowing Josh, he has got a pretty dry sense of humour.
“I am hoping it was very much tongue in cheek.”
Hazlewood took 2-18 off his four overs against Namibia and remains a crucial part of the side’s potential success at the World Cup, while the likes of Adam Zampa and Travis Head also starred in the dominant win.
Their final game will take place on Sunday (AEST), while England are scheduled to play their last two matches on Friday and Sunday.