It would be in Australia’s “best interests” for England to exit the Twenty20 World Cup as early as possible, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood says.
Defending champions England are sweating on a place in the next phase of the tournament after a washout against Scotland was followed by a 36-run defeat to the Aussies in Group B.
Scotland’s subsequent heavy win over Oman means England can only qualify for the Super 8 on net run-rate – which leaves their fate in the hands of Australia.
England must beat Oman on Thursday and Namibia on Saturday, but if Jos Buttler’s team are able to do that all eyes will be on the final Group B fixture between Scotland and Australia.
The St Lucia match will begin hours after England’s clash with Namibia finishes, giving the Aussies enough time to work out exactly what margin of victory for them would ensure they top the group but also allow Scotland to progress as runners-up.
“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,” Hazlewood, who claimed 2-18 as Namibia were dismissed for 72 on Wednesday, said.
“We’ve had some real struggles against them in T20 cricket, so if we can get them out of the tournament, that’s in our best interests, as well as probably everyone else’s.
“Whether we have discussions or not (over tactics to block England’s progress), or we just try and play again the way we played tonight, that will be up to (other) people, not me.”
Hazlewood did the early damage for Australia at North Sound in Antigua with two early scalps and while Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus hit 36, Adam Zampa ran through the rest of their line-up on his way to fine figures of 4-12.
Australia needed only 34 balls to chase down the required 73, with Travis Head able to smash 34 off 17 balls and put on 53 for the second wicket with captain Mitch Marsh (18 not out).
A third consecutive victory for Australia sent them back to the Group B summit and through to the Super 8 stage.
“There are a few options there, but to take confidence from winning and winning well – that’s almost more important than potentially trying to knock someone else out,” Hazlewood said when pressed on what helping knock out England might look like.
“(England) have still got a lot to do on their behalf as well. It will become clearer the closer we get.”