England coach reacts to Hazlewood's wish to eliminate defending champions from T20 World Cup

England head coach Matthew Mott reacted to Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood's comments about eliminating England from the ongoing T20 World Cup.

England has yet to win a match, with their first game against Scotland rained out and a loss to Australia in their second match.

Hazlewood suggested that it would be beneficial for Australia if England didn’t qualify for the Super-8s.

Mott, in an interview with BBC Sports, expressed hope that Hazlewood was just joking, noting his dry sense of humor.

“I am very much hoping it was an off-hand remark by a really good bloke who is having fun. Having grown up in Australia and the will to win every game, I am sure they will come to the fore,” Mott said.

“Knowing Josh, he has got a pretty dry sense of humour. I am hoping it was very much tongue in cheek," he added.

Scotland currently have five points after three matches. Australia, having already qualified for Super Eight, will play their last group game against Scotland. Australia Coach Andrew McDonald hinted at the possibility of resting key players against Scotland.

Hazlewood, in a press conference, acknowledged England's strength and admitted it would be advantageous to knock them out.

"In this tournament, you potentially 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's."

He was also asked to reveal the strategies the Kangaroos will employ to eliminate England from the T20 World Cup 2024, but he didn't give specifics, saying, “I am not too sure. You get close; you then just knock it around and drag it out. There are a few options."

England still has group stage matches against Oman and Namibia on June 13 and 15.