Mott, an Australian who once coached Hazlewood when he was in charge of NSW, wondered if the paceman was joking.
“I think I know Josh pretty well and I know his integrity,” Mott said. “He has got a very good sense of humour and I am hoping it was very much tongue-in-cheek.”
Josh Hazlewood suggested it was ‘in Australia’s interest’ for England to be eliminated.Credit: ICC via Getty Images
Cummins insisted that one of his great pace mates was not being serious.
“I was speaking to Joshy who had a bit of a joke about it the other day and it got taken a bit out of context,” Cummins said.
“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.
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“It’s something [run rate] you discuss as one of the quirks of the set-up, but does it change the way we play? Absolutely not.”
However, given the match is of no consequence to Australia, they may continue to rest some of their key players who had a heavy workload during the IPL over the previous two months.
Cummins and Mitchell Starc have already been rested from matches during the tournament. The former believes it is important that Australia continue their momentum after a strong start.
“I don’t you can, ever (flirt with form),” Cummins said. “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.”
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