Pat Cummins forced by Australia to defend Josh Hazlewood's match-fixing comments as Mitchell Marsh could face suspension

Australia lead pacer Pat Cummins clarified Josh Hazlewood's comments about underperforming against Scotland to knock out England in the T20 World Cup 2024. Pat Cummins stated that such actions would be "against the spirit of cricket" and highlighted their commitment to always play competitively and aggressively.

Josh Hazlewood sparked controversy by stating that it would be in Australia's interests to eliminate England early from the T20 World Cup 2024. His remarks triggered widespread discussions within the cricket community. Mitchell Marsh could face a ban if Australia deliberately tries to manipulate the match outcome.

Australia have already secured their spot in the Super Eights. England surpassed Scotland's net run rate (NRR) following their eight-wicket victory over Oman on Thursday, June 13. England and Scotland are competing for the second spot in the Group B table, with the top two teams to be determined on Saturday.

Probably Against The Spirit Of Cricket - Pat Cummins

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Pat Cummins stated that Australia will give their best effort every time. Cummins emphasized that they will strive to perform at their best leading up to the Super 8 matches in the World Cup.

“When you go out and play you’re trying your best every time. And if you’re not, it’s probably against the spirit of cricket,” Cummins told reporters in St Lucia.

“I don’t think you can (go into a game not trying to win) -- ever. You’re playing an international game in the middle of a World Cup. You still want to try and have a good game and carry that on into the Super Eights. I’ve never stepped onto the field without the mindset of being aggressive like the guys have so far,” he added.

We Have Had A Good Tournament - Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins stated that Josh Hazlewood's comments were meant humorously and were misunderstood. The 31-year-old pacer acknowledged Scotland's strong performance in the tournament and anticipated a tough match against them.

“We’ll go out there and try to play Scotland, who have had a really good tournament so far, so it’s going to be tough. It’s something you discuss as one of the quirks of the set-up, but it does it change the way we play? Absolutely not,” Cummins further added.

England's thumping eight-wicket victory over Oman in Antigua has boosted their net run rate to 3.08, surpassing Scotland's 2.16. The possibility of Australia manipulating their NRR to eliminate England from the World Cup no longer exists.

England will advance to the Super Eight stage of the tournament if they defeat Namibia on Saturday and Australia secures a win against Scotland. However, the Jos Buttler-led team will be eliminated from the competition if Scotland defeats Australia.

The defending champions will face Namibia in their final group-stage match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday, June 15. The Mitchell Marsh-led team will lock horns with Scotland at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on the same day.