'Let David Warner open the bowling' - Scotland’s Michael Jones reacts to Josh Hazlewood’s controversial statement

After thrashing Namibia by nine wickets, Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood made a controversial statement, mentioning that the team might suffer a defeat at the hands of Scotland in their next match to let England be eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024. The statement created a lot of buzz and it has come to light that if ICC officials find Australia guilty of manipulating the match result, their skipper Mitchell Marsh will suffer a ban of two matches.

However, Scotland isn’t bothered about Hazlewood’s comment as opener Michael Jones stated the team was laughing while watching it live. The 26-year-old stated that he understands the rivalry between Australia and England and won’t mind if David Warner opens the bowling for the Kangaroos. Jones also joked that he doesn’t know any Australia players but is ready to take favours.

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“I was watching it live and I was laughing. In any way that it can come. The rivalry between Australia and England is massive and, if Australia want to play it that way then happy days. Maybe let David Warner open the bowling or something. I don't know any Australia players, but it would be good if we could have a little word and sort something out,” Jones was quoted as saying by BBC.

I’m certain they will come all guns blazing: Jones

Jones understands that Australia may eventually come all guns blazing despite Hazlewood’s comments. He stated that the players will give their best to win the game and eventually take the background noise out of the equation.

Also Read - Manipulating match result against Scotland may lead to ban on Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh

“The Aussies are renowned for being extremely diligent and I’m certain they will come all guns blazing. We'll do our best to win the game, try and take the background noise out of the equation and not get too distracted among all the noise. But I watched the Hazelwood interview and [ex-captain] Tim Paine saying they should field half a side and it is at the back of your mind that - you want the result in any way that it can come. We just want to get through,” Jones said.