EXPLAINED: Why Mitchell Marsh Can Be Banned If Australia Manipulate Vs Scotland To Kick England Out Of T20 WC

Josh Hazlewood made a shocking remark after Australia’s win over Namibia in the league stage match of the 2024 T20 World Cup and hinted that the Kangaroos could manipulate against Scotland to make sure that England do not make it to the Super 8. Australia have already qualified for the Super 8 and the result against Scotland won’t impact them.

While they would of course want to win against Scotland, the margin of Scotland’s win could decide whether they or England (if they win their next two matches) make it to the next round. Scotland have 5 points in 3 matches. They have a strong NRR of +2.163.

England, whose game against Scotland was washed out, lost to Australia. They have just one point at an NRR of 1-800. The defending champions have to win their next two games by big margins to stay in the race. The result of the Australia-Scotland game could also have an impact on England’s chances.

“In this tournament, you potentially could come up against England at some stage again and they’re probably one of the top few teams on their day. 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 interest as well as probably everyone else,” Hazlewood said.

“Not too sure really. Whether you get close and just knock it around and drag it out. There’s a few options there. But as you said to take confidence from winning and winning well, that’s almost more important than potentially trying to knock someone else out. They’ve still got a lot to do on their behalf as well, so I think it’ll become clearer the closer we get to that sort of stuff.”

Hazlewood comment has become a headache for Mitchell Marsh and the Australia captain could get banned if the 2021 T20 World Cup Champions manipulate their game against Scotland.

ESPNcricinfo has reported that Marsh could get banned for up to two matches of the Super 8 stage under Article 2.11 of the ICC’s rules. It will be interesting to see the result of the fixture between the two teams.

A win for Scotland will make them second team from Group B to qualify for the Super 8 and questions could be raised if this happens. Australia decimated Namibia in their previous game and bowled them out for 72. They chased down the target in just 5.4 overs.