We are going to enjoy and play fearless cricket: USA's Aaron Jones

USA’s Aaron Jones has completely lit up the 2024 T20 World Cup. The 29-year-old is currently the sixth-highest run-getter in the competition, having slammed 141 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 160.22. His scores read 11, 36* and 94* - Jones has been dismissed only once in the ongoing showpiece event and has played a major role in tUSA qualifying for the Super 8s.

“For me personally to be honest, I like to play situations. I like to play for my team always. If it's the case, I'm playing a game, and we need five runs an over, I'll bat to suit. If we need 15 runs or over, I'll bat to suit. So, I don't really worry about the whole talk about strike rate and all this other stuff,” said Jones ahead of the Super 8 encounter against South Africa on June 19 (Wednesday).

“As it relates to playing against some of the better teams in the world, I'm looking forward to it for sure. The boys are happy, the boys are excited to play against the best teams in the world. We wanted to do that. We've been speaking about that over the last couple of years. And here we are now, so we're just going to enjoy our cricket and, as I said, play fearless cricket all the time.”

The people in the USA are talking about cricket, especially after they defeated Pakistan in their second clash of the tournament. They also defeated Canada, while their game against Ireland was washed out. They lost to India but had enough points to qualify for the next round. “This is what we wanted to be honest over the last few years. 

“I think we have a lot of talent in the country but the world doesn't really know because most people don't pay attention to US cricket or probably before the World Cup we should say. We wanted everybody to know about us, we wanted everybody to watch us and support us as well, and I think it's just growing right now, and I think we are on a good path, and we are enjoying it.”

Talking about the support they have been receiving, Jones added: “Firstly, thank you for everything. I think that's really important. Over the last few years, we've been talking about growing a bigger following as it relates to US cricket and I think it's growing slowly right now so we definitely thank them for sure. Just keep supporting us, keep following us, keep watching our games and we'll definitely put on a good show for everybody for sure.”

The USA are placed in Group 2 alongside South Africa, the West Indies and England. The Proteas are coming into the Super 8s unbeaten but Jones is up for the challenge. “We have some guys that played against South Africa and played with South African guys in the past and we have some South African guys on our team as well. We have a bit of insight on the team and yeah, hopefully everything goes well tomorrow.”

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