LAHORE: Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has backed his depleted squad to rise to the occasion in their Champions Trophy opener against England, emphasising that the absence of key players presents an opportunity for emerging talent to shine on the global stage.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Lahore on Friday, Smith addressed the notable absences of premier fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, along with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. However, the captain remained optimistic about his team’s prospects.
“There is always pressure in international tournaments and we are obviously missing our proven fast bowlers, but we are not worried thinking about it as this also offers opportunities to those who are in the team now,” Smith stated.
“In the Champions Trophy you have to be focused from the start... It is basically you are playing quarterfinals from the start so you just have to be switched on,” he explained. Smith downplayed the significance of Australia’s current status as ODI world champions, noting that the Champions Trophy demands a different approach.
“In the last World Cup we were slow to get started and we were under the pump and then we brought our best at the backend of the tournament. In the Champions Trophy you can’t be slow,” he warned.
Smith expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle pressure situations. “We haven’t done well in the Champions Trophy compared to other ICC events but I think the pressure of playing tournaments always brings out the best in us,” he remarked.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s clash with England, Smith acknowledged the quality of their opponents. “England have been a very good white ball team, and I’m looking forward to starting against the former world champions.”