'Can only control what we can do’ - Jos Buttler reacts to Josh Hazlewood’s 'knockout' remark

After thrashing Nambia in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood stated that the team can surrender to Scotland in their final league of the season to eliminate England from the competition. In that case, Scotland will have seven points, finishing as the Group topper as England can reach a maximum of five points. The Three Lions were behind Scotland in the Net Run Rate (NRR) as well but they picked up a massive eight-wicket win over Oman, which has improved their chances for a Super 8 spot.

There’s nothing that England can do in case Scotlands defeat Australia but if the opposite happens, England can progress with a win over Namibia in their final game. Ahead of that, England captain Jos Buttler reacted to Hazlewood’s comments and stated that there’s nothing he can do about such remarks and can control what is in his hands. He, however, remains optimistic of winning against Namibia and progressing to the next round.

Also Read - Josh Hazlewood contemplates on prospect of knocking England out of T20 World Cup 2024

“Been around long enough to know that people make comments. We know what's going on in the dressing room. We have another huge match to come. We can only control what we do, all focus is on that,” Buttler said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Buttler lauds his bowlers after thrashing Oman

England needed a big win over Oman to improve their NRR and their bowlers rose to the occasion. Adil Rashid picked up four wickets while Mark Wood and Jofra Archer picked up three each as England restricted Oman to a paltry 47 runs. When it came to the chase, England chased it in 3.1 overs, which improved their NRR significantly. After the match, Buttler lauded his bowlers but reminded that the job is not over.

Also Read - Scotland’s Michael Jones reacts to Josh Hazlewood’s controversial statement

“The tone was set very well by the bowlers by picking up those early wickets and restricting them to that total. We’ve got another big game in two days. I thought they bowled brilliantly. There was some extra bounce, thought they bowled really good lines and lengths. There was some spin, don’t think any of us expected the surface to play like it did. Adil bowled exceptionally well. The message was to be ultra-positive,” Buttler said.