Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has firmly denied suggestions his team deliberately eased off against Scotland in a bid to knock England out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
England scrape through to Super 8
With Australia already qualified for the Super 8s, all eyes were on the outcome of the final Group B match between Australia and Scotland.
A win for Scotland would have eliminated England on net run rate. However, Australia secured a comfortable victory, ensuring England’s passage to the next stage.
Media frenzy over Australia’s fielding
Following the match, there was speculation that Australia might have intentionally dropped catches and underbowled to manipulate the result. Mitchell Starc vehemently denied these claims, invoking former Australian coach Justin Langer’s famous saying of respecting “Mother Cricket.”
“You don’t stuff around with mother cricket and trying to worry about other results. We’re here to win games. It’s international cricket. England now are on the other side of the draw, so it really doesn’t make that much difference for the next three games. So yeah, I think that was blown right out of proportion by you guys,” Strac said.
“We have another game here [against India] in the Super Eight, so [it was about] getting accustomed to or having a look at conditions here as well”
England breathe sigh of relief
England’s qualification for the Super 8s was a welcome relief after a disappointing ODI World Cup campaign last year. Jonny Bairstow acknowledged the challenges faced by his team and praised Australia for their dominant performance in the group stage.
Costly experiment for Australia
Australia’s decision to rest key bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins backfired somewhat. Their replacements, Ashton Agar and Glenn Maxwell, conceded a significant number of runs. Furthermore, Australia dropped a series of catches, raising further questions about their commitment in the match.
Mitchell Starc admits fielding errors
Mitchell Starc took full responsibility for Australia’s sloppy fielding display. He acknowledged the dropped catches and other fielding lapses but insisted these mistakes wouldn’t be repeated in the crucial Super 8s stage.
Marcus Stoinis, Travis Head take charge
Despite a shaky start with the bat, Australia found their momentum thanks to a powerful partnership between Marcus Stoinis and Travis Head. Stoinis’ sixes and boundaries, followed by Head’s three sixes in a single over, swung the match decisively in Australia’s favor.
Tim David seals the deal
With Australia nearing victory, the explosive batting of Tim David ensured they crossed the finish line comfortably. While England might be relieved to have progressed, they could face Australia again later in the tournament.
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Focus shifts to T20 World Cup Super 8
With the group stage drama settled, all eyes turn to the Super 8s. Australia will be looking to maintain their winning form, while England will hope to build on their qualification and make a deeper run in the tournament.
