Every time I put on a US jersey, I want to win the game: Aaron Jones

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be remembered for the massive rise of the United States of America as a cricketing nation. While the tournament was purely designed to get the Indian diaspora in the USA to watch and follow cricket, the significant rise in the USA’s stature ensured the cherry on the cake.

The USA, however, failed to replicate the success of the group stage in the Super Eight, having already lost to South Africa and the West Indies. They’re now ready to take on England in the final league game, but they'll walk away with a lot of heart and a future to look forward to, having already been qualified for the T20 World Cup in 2026. 

“The USA is doing well in this World Cup. We obviously advanced for the 2026 World Cup as well. I think the sooner we start preparing for that World Cup, it’s going to be better for everything in the country,” USA skipper Aaron Jones said in the pre-match press conference.

“I think things over the last couple of years have been on the rise. I would believe that the board was focusing more on the World Cup. But I think definitely with the cricket we played over the last couple of weeks, we'll get some tours for sure as it relates to T20 cricket. I don't think that's an issue. And obviously, we have ODI cricket around the corner as well. So, I think the board will be focusing on both formats for sure.”

Underlining the importance of winning against England in Barbados, Jones stated that their journey has been inspirational for the associate pool of cricketers. 

“Yeah, I think the game against England is important. As I said, for me personally, every time I put on a US jersey, I want to win the game, regardless of who we're playing against. I think over the last couple of weeks, starting from winning the series against Bangladesh, it really and truly opened the eyes of everybody in the world, not only for US cricket but associate cricket in general,” Aaron Jones said in the pre-match press conference.

“And then obviously moving on to beating Pakistan in the World Cup, and then having a close game against India and then a close game against South Africa. People know that Associate cricket is on the rise, I would say.”

After scoring a 94 in the opening game against Canada, Jones has had a mediocre season with the bat - but tomorrow will be different. He will be playing against England in Barbados - the city he calls home. It will be a different atmosphere for the cricket-crazy Barbados will be rooting for their home boy.

“It means a lot to me to play in Barbados. I've played at this ground many times. Obviously, I get a lot of support in Barbados as well. As it relates to the people back home in the USA, cricket is the biggest sport in the Caribbean, I would say. And definitely, when we play, when West Indies is playing against us, we know for sure that a lot of people will come out and support us, West Indies, myself, and Steven Taylor, us obviously having Caribbean roots. So yeah, it was a good, really good atmosphere. We really enjoyed it, for sure,” the skipper concluded. 

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