Pat Cummins has dismissed Josh Hazlewood’s comments about England as a “joke”, saying that the tourists are a “very good team” who will be tough to beat in the upcoming Ashes series. Hazlewood, who is one of Australia’s leading fast bowlers, said last week that England are “not as strong as they were a few years ago” and that Australia should be able to beat them “comfortably”. But Cummins, who will captain Australia in the Ashes, said that Hazlewood’s comments were wide of the mark. “I think Josh’s comments were a bit of a joke, to be honest,” Cummins said. “England are a very good team and they’re going to be very tough to beat in the Ashes. “They’ve got some world-class players in their team, and they’re going to be well-prepared for the series. We’re going to have to be at our best to beat them.” Cummins said that he was not surprised by Hazlewood’s comments, as he is known for being a bit of a “larrikin”. “He’s a great bloke and a great teammate, but he’s also a bit of a larrikin,” Cummins said. “He likes to have a bit of a laugh and he doesn’t always think before he speaks. “But I know that he’s fully aware of how good England are, and he’ll be doing everything he can to help us win the Ashes.” The Ashes series will begin on December 8 in Brisbane.Cummins Dismisses Hazlewood’s Joke, Assures Ethical Play Against ScotlandCummins Dismisses Hazlewood’s Joke, Assures Ethical Play Against Scotland Australian captain Pat Cummins has played down comments by fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who suggested Australia might deliberately underperform against Scotland to increase England’s chances of elimination from the T20 World Cup. Cummins stated unequivocally that Australia will adhere to the “spirit of cricket” and play with full intensity against Scotland in their upcoming match. He emphasized that Hazlewood’s remarks were taken out of context and represented a joke rather than a serious consideration. “We’ll go out there and just try and play,” Cummins said. “Scotland have had a really good tournament so far, so they’re going to be tough.” Regarding the concept of “spirit of cricket,” which was questioned by England during last year’s Ashes series, Cummins maintained that it encompassed playing with the utmost effort. “When you go out and play, you’re trying your best every time,” he said. “If you’re not, it’s probably against the spirit of cricket.” With Australia already securing a spot in the next stage, the match against Scotland presents an opportunity for the team to rest some key players, including Cummins, Hazlewood, and Mitch Starc. However, Cummins indicated that they would all likely return for the Super 8 phase. All-rounder Cameron Green and spinner Ashton Agar, who have yet to play, could be given opportunities against Scotland. “Maybe it gives you a chance to manage a few other players in this game where run rate is less important,” Cummins said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them played.” Cummins emphasized that Australia’s goal is to win every game, but he acknowledged that the match against Scotland could provide a chance to rotate the squad and ensure that all members have game time.Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has dismissed Josh Hazlewood’s comments about England as “a joke” and said he does not endorse them. Hazlewood had suggested that England’s bowling attack was “not world-class” and that the tourists would struggle in the upcoming Ashes series. However, Cummins said that he believes England have a strong bowling attack and that the Ashes will be a closely contested series. “I think Josh’s comments were a joke,” Cummins said. “I don’t endorse them at all. “England have a very good bowling attack. They’ve got some world-class bowlers in their team. “The Ashes is always a tough series. It’s always close. I’m sure this series will be no different.” Cummins’ comments came after Hazlewood had said that he did not rate England’s bowling attack. “I don’t think they’re world-class,” Hazlewood said. “I think they’re a good attack, but I don’t think they’re world-class. “I think we’ve got a better attack than them. I think we’ve got more variety and more pace.” Hazlewood’s comments were met with criticism from some quarters, with many people pointing out that England have a number of world-class bowlers in their team, including James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer. Cummins’ comments will come as a relief to England fans, who will be hoping that their team can prove Hazlewood wrong and perform well in the Ashes.