Why former Test captain Tim Paine believes Australia should allow Scotland to 'get close enough' if it helps eliminate bitter rivals England from the T20 World Cup Australia could send England packing from World Cup A 'close' result against Scotland would be crucial Tim Paine called for Aussies to do England no favours Quick Josh Hazlewood also doesn't want England to advance By NCA NewsWire Published: 02:56 BST, 13 June 2024 | Updated: 02:57 BST, 13 June 2024 e-mail View comments Former Test captain Tim Paine is adamant Australia should let Scotland 'get close enough' in their final pool game at the T20 World Cup to keep defending champions England out of the next stage of the tournament. It comes following an outcry over potential manipulation of the rules. After outclassing Namibia by nine wickets on Wednesday to secure passage to the Super 8s, Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said it would be in his team's 'best interests' to have England eliminated, which could happen should the Scots finish the group stages with a better net run rate.
A manic schedule in the World Cup finals, which could include five games in eight days for Australia to lift the trophy, has prompted plans to manage players for the game against Scotland. Paine said the focus on winning the tournament should steer what the Australians do in the final game and if an opportunity presented itself to knock England, a serious rival, out, then he was 'all for it'. Former Test captain Tim Paine is adamant A.
