After Australia thrashed Namibia in the T20 World Cup to confirm their Super 8 spot, pacer Josh Hazlewood admitted that the one-time winners could try and manipulate any margin of victory against Scotland -- i.e. if they are in a position to do so -- to knockout defending champions England. Jos Buttler &amp; Co. are in a precarious position to stay alive in the competition after being winless post their first two games. The 2022 champions will next face Oman in Antigua.

England's tournament opener saw the clash being abandoned due to rain, after Scotland's innings. In their following tie, England lost to Australia by 36 runs and need full points from their remaining two games to proceed ahead. Australia, with three wins in a row, may look to rest some big players -- as they did versus Namibia on Tuesday (June 11) in Antigua (local time) -- versus Scotland and might be tempted to work around any margin of victory -- if&nbsp;in such a position -- to eliminate England.

Hazlewood told&nbsp;reporters after his side's big win against Namibia, "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 and 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,"

"It'll be interesting to see. We've never really been in this position before as a team, I don't think, so whether we have discussions or not, we'll just try and play it again the way we did tonight. That'll be up to people, not me,"&nbsp;Hazlewood further said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-pakistans-super-8-chances-at-the-mercy-of-florida-weather-heres-why-731062">T20 World Cup: Pakistan’s Super 8 chances at the mercy of Florida weather! Here's why</a>

<h2>'To take confidence from winning well is more important than&nbsp;trying to knock someone else out'</h2>

He, however, added, "Whether you get close and you just knock it around and drag it out. There's a few options there but...to take confidence from winning and winning well, I think 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."

Regarding the Net Run Rate (NRR) scenario, the exact sums won't be known until England play Oman as well as Namibia. However, there is a high probability of&nbsp;Scotland making it to the next round even with a narrow loss against Australia. This would eventfully eliminate England&nbsp;even if Buttler &amp; Co. win their remaining fixtures.

Given the NRR&nbsp;won't be carried forward in the next round, Australia won't mind manipulating any margin of victory over the Scotts. However, one can't take Scotland lightly as well. They have it in them to spring in a surprise versus the Aussies (especially if they are considering to rest some of their&nbsp;key players). At present, Scotland are placed second in Group B with 5&nbsp;points, with a NRR of +2.164. England have 1 point and a NRR of&nbsp;-1.800. Meanwhile, Australia top this group with 6 points and a healthy NRR of&nbsp;+3.580.

The Australia-Scotland clash will be held at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Saturday (June 15).

After Australia thrashed Namibia in the T20 World Cup to confirm their Super 8 spot, pacer Josh Hazlewood admitted that the one-time winners could try and manipulate any margin of victory against Scotland -- i.

After Australia thrashed Namibia in the T20 World Cup to confirm their Super 8 spot, pacer Josh Hazlewood admitted that the one-time winners could try and manipulate any margin of victory against Scotland -- i.e. if they are in a position to do so -- to knockout defending champions England. Jos Buttler & Co. are in a precarious position to stay alive in the competition after being winless post their first two games. The 2022 champions will next face Oman in Antigua. England's tournament opener saw the clash being abandoned due to rain, after Scotland's innings. In their following tie, England lost to Australia by 36 runs and need full points from their remaining two games to proceed ahead. Australia, with three wins in a row, may look to rest some big players -- as they did versus Namibia on Tuesday (June 11) in Antigua (local time) -- versus Scotland and might be tempted to work around any margin of victory -- if in such a position -- to eliminate England. Hazlewood told reporters after his side's big win against Namibia, "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 and 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," "It'll be interesting to see. We've never really been in this position before as a team, I don't think, so whether we have discussions or not, we'll just try and play it again the way we did tonight. That'll be up to people, not me," Hazlewood further said. Also read: T20 World Cup: Pakistan’s Super 8 chances at the mercy of Florida weather! Here's why 'To take confidence from winning well is more important than trying to knock someone else out' He, however, added, "Whether you get close and you just knock it around and drag it out. There's a few options there but...to take confidence from winning and winning well, I think 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." Regarding the Net Run Rate (NRR) scenario, the exact sums won't be known until England play Oman as well as Namibia. However, there is a high probability of Scotland making it to the next round even with a narrow loss against Australia. This would eventfully eliminate England even if Buttler & Co. win their remaining fixtures. Given the NRR won't be carried forward in the next round, Australia won't mind manipulating any margin of victory over the Scotts. However, one can't take Scotland lightly as well. They have it in them to spring in a surprise versus the Aussies (especially if they are considering to rest some of their key players). At present, Scotland are placed second in Group B with 5 points, with a NRR of +2.164. England have 1 point and a NRR of -1.800. Meanwhile, Australia top this group with 6 points and a healthy NRR of +3.580. The Australia-Scotland clash will be held at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Saturday (June 15).

T20 WC: Knocking England out early is 'in our best interests' - Hazlewood after Australia confirm Super 8 spot

England's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup squad has been named with Jofra Archer returning to the side after being sidelined for over a year.&nbsp;The World Cup gets underway in the West Indies and the United States of America in June and England will be hoping to defend their title, having won the previous edition in Australia in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Archer, who has been struggling with injury issues in recent times last played for England in March 2023 during the Bangladesh tour and has been missing in action since then. Archer's return will provide a massive boost to England's chances, and will be aided by Chris Jordan.

The Surrey bowler had also been pushed to the periphery of the squad after being slogged around for plenty in the 2021 T20 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.&nbsp;

Jos Buttler will lead the English contingent once again as Will Jacks, Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow will comprise the top-order alongside him. Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran have been slotted in the middle and lower middle-order while&nbsp;Adil Rashid will lead the spin attack flanked by Tom Hartley.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2024-all-team-squad-india-nz-australia-england-pakistan-south-africa-west-indies-716322">Also read | ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: Latest updates of all squads named so far</a>

<h2>England vs Pakistan series&nbsp;</h2>

The England men's selection panel said the preliminary WC squad announced will also take on Pakistan in the four-match T20 series that gets underway next month in Leeds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that owing to the Pakistan series, none of the English players, currently plying their trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will be available for the playoffs.&nbsp;

The World Cup squad will fly to the Caribbean on May 31 ahead of England’s opening group match against Scotland at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, on June 4.

Notably, according to ICC guidelines, all teams are allowed to make changes to their squad until May 25, after which&nbsp;any alteration will require approval from ICC's Event Technical Committee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-no-international-return-for-faf-du-plessis-as-anrich-nortje-included-in-south-africa-squad-716613">Also read |&nbsp;T20 World Cup: No international return for Faf du Plessis as Anrich Nortje included in South Africa squad</a>

England squad:

Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood

(With inputs from agencies)

England's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup squad has been named with Jofra Archer returning to the side after being sidelined for over a year. The World Cup gets underway in the West Indies and the United States of America in June and England will be hoping to defend their title, having won the previous edition in Australia in 2022.

England's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup squad has been named with Jofra Archer returning to the side after being sidelined for over a year. The World Cup gets underway in the West Indies and the United States of America in June and England will be hoping to defend their title, having won the previous edition in Australia in 2022. Archer, who has been struggling with injury issues in recent times last played for England in March 2023 during the Bangladesh tour and has been missing in action since then. Archer's return will provide a massive boost to England's chances, and will be aided by Chris Jordan. The Surrey bowler had also been pushed to the periphery of the squad after being slogged around for plenty in the 2021 T20 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand. Jos Buttler will lead the English contingent once again as Will Jacks, Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow will comprise the top-order alongside him. Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran have been slotted in the middle and lower middle-order while Adil Rashid will lead the spin attack flanked by Tom Hartley. Also read | ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024: Latest updates of all squads named so far England vs Pakistan series The England men's selection panel said the preliminary WC squad announced will also take on Pakistan in the four-match T20 series that gets underway next month in Leeds. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that owing to the Pakistan series, none of the English players, currently plying their trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will be available for the playoffs. The World Cup squad will fly to the Caribbean on May 31 ahead of England’s opening group match against Scotland at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, on June 4. Notably, according to ICC guidelines, all teams are allowed to make changes to their squad until May 25, after which any alteration will require approval from ICC's Event Technical Committee. Also read | T20 World Cup: No international return for Faf du Plessis as Anrich Nortje included in South Africa squad England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood (With inputs from agencies)

England’s T20 World Cup team announced: Jofra Archer returns to 15-member squad

After the second day’s play at Old Trafford, Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood, in a presser, said he would pray to rain Gods to help them retain the urn, and his prayers got answered, as the rain did washout day five to see this game end in a draw. As a result, on the back of a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Ashes, Australia retained the urn for the fourth time.

It comes as a huge disappointment for England, who were head and shoulders ahead of their opponents in this Test and looked like sealing the game to level the series 2-2. While home fans and the English dressing room would rue the missed opportunity to win back the urn for the first time since 2015, the Aussie camp would be happy to claim it without putting not even half a good performance in this Test particularly.

With five out of six sessions getting washed out on days four and five, Australia, who were 61 runs behind with five wickets in hand, would feel lucky to get away in this Test as the final match at the Kia Oval in London would be England’s game to win, to at least level the series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-england-have-made-test-cricket-approachable-attractive-says-sangakkara-as-4th-test-result-await-618642">Ashes: England have made Test cricket approachable, attractive, says Sangakkara</a>

However, for countless reasons, this Test, or this series until now, will be remembered for a long time.

England won the toss in this do-or-die fourth Test, and decided to bowl first, an option captains often avoid choosing at this venue. Backing the brand of cricket – Bazball, which England is playing and endorsing, this unorthodox call shouldn’t surprise many.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Australia, in the first innings, couldn’t do much despite having eight batters, including two seam-bowling all-rounders in Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, as they got all out on 317. England, in their reply, posted a mammoth total of 592, with opener Zak Crawley being their top-scorer (189). Besides him, five other batters also completed their fifties, with keeper Jonny Bairstow getting stranded on 99.

<h2>Labuschagne saved Australia’s sinking boat</h2>

Australia’s number three and batter in form, Marnus Labuschagne’s maiden Ashes hundred in England in the second innings saved his team from an embarrassing defeat in this series. With him and Marsh, in particular, eating balls, it helped Australia play for the draw – something they wanted to retain the urn.&nbsp;

And as destiny had it, despite little play in the final session of day four, Australia’s second innings score of 214 for five saw the visiting team successfully unlock their achievement.

The fifth and final Test of the 2023 Ashes will begin on July 27 in London.

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After the second day’s play at Old Trafford, Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood, in a presser, said he would pray to rain Gods to help them retain the urn, and his prayers got answered, as the rain did washout day five to see this game end in a draw.

After the second day’s play at Old Trafford, Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood, in a presser, said he would pray to rain Gods to help them retain the urn, and his prayers got answered, as the rain did washout day five to see this game end in a draw. As a result, on the back of a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Ashes, Australia retained the urn for the fourth time. It comes as a huge disappointment for England, who were head and shoulders ahead of their opponents in this Test and looked like sealing the game to level the series 2-2. While home fans and the English dressing room would rue the missed opportunity to win back the urn for the first time since 2015, the Aussie camp would be happy to claim it without putting not even half a good performance in this Test particularly. With five out of six sessions getting washed out on days four and five, Australia, who were 61 runs behind with five wickets in hand, would feel lucky to get away in this Test as the final match at the Kia Oval in London would be England’s game to win, to at least level the series. ALSO READ: Ashes: England have made Test cricket approachable, attractive, says Sangakkara However, for countless reasons, this Test, or this series until now, will be remembered for a long time. England won the toss in this do-or-die fourth Test, and decided to bowl first, an option captains often avoid choosing at this venue. Backing the brand of cricket – Bazball, which England is playing and endorsing, this unorthodox call shouldn’t surprise many. Meanwhile, Australia, in the first innings, couldn’t do much despite having eight batters, including two seam-bowling all-rounders in Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, as they got all out on 317. England, in their reply, posted a mammoth total of 592, with opener Zak Crawley being their top-scorer (189). Besides him, five other batters also completed their fifties, with keeper Jonny Bairstow getting stranded on 99. Labuschagne saved Australia’s sinking boat Australia’s number three and batter in form, Marnus Labuschagne’s maiden Ashes hundred in England in the second innings saved his team from an embarrassing defeat in this series. With him and Marsh, in particular, eating balls, it helped Australia play for the draw – something they wanted to retain the urn. And as destiny had it, despite little play in the final session of day four, Australia’s second innings score of 214 for five saw the visiting team successfully unlock their achievement. The fifth and final Test of the 2023 Ashes will begin on July 27 in London. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes, 4th Test: Hazlewood’s prayers worked as rain played spoilsport to help Australia retain urn