England bowler Mark Wood is hoping for an Australia win on Saturday to help England secure a spot in the next round of the T20 World Cup, confident that Australia will play fairly.
Mark Wood is hoping for an Australia victory this Saturday as England push to secure a spot in the next round of the T20 World Cup.
England’s recent form has seen them bounce back strongly, ending with a dominant win over Oman, where they chased down a target of 48 in just 19 deliveries—a new tournament record. However, their progression hangs in the balance, dependent on both their own result against Namibia and the outcome of Scotland’s match against Australia later the same day.
Earlier, Josh Hazlewood’s lighthearted comments, suggesting Australia might consider their own interests in potentially eliminating England, had stirred controversy, though such an outcome remains highly unlikely. Nevertheless, with their fate tied to other results, Wood is preparing to support Australia, England’s traditional rivals, to improve their chances.
“I know I’m close to the Scottish border and Australia and Scotland are England’s rivals… but we’ll obviously be supporting Australia because we’re trying to get through. We have got to show a little bit more and then fingers crossed for Australia. Then when you are through to that next stage every team can go on from there,” Wood said.
“I’m absolutely confident they’ll play the game their hardest, that’s the Australian way. They’ll play hard and fair and try to get the win,” he added.
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Wood also responded positively to Hazlewood’s recent comments, interpreting them as a sign of respect rather than controversy.
“I think I saw it more as a respect thing if I’m honest. He was saying England have done well against Australia in the recent past and he thinks we’re a big threat. I had no problem with it. It’s all part of England versus Australia,” he said.
If England advances to the Super 8 Stage, co-hosts West Indies will be waiting for them in St Lucia next Thursday.
Last Updated on June 15, 2024
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