“It only comes around every four years, the Champions Trophy, and it’s the second biggest tournament after the World Cup. So we’ve got to be focused on that.” © Getty Images
This is perhaps the most testing phase of Steven Smith’s tenure as Australian captain yet. A few months back, he led a young side rather impressively on a tough tour of India and even managed to win a rare Test in the country.
Now, he is in charge of Australia’s Champions Trophy 2017 campaign that’s been hit hard by rain and distraction in the form of a pay dispute with Cricket Australia.
But leaders, particularly Australians, are judged by the number of major trophies they win and Smith insisted on the eve of their last Group A game, against England at Edgbaston on Saturday (June 10), that the players had their focus right.
One would understand if Smith was frustrated with events beyond his control, but the captain was charged up, hoping his side would lift themselves for the virtual quarterfinal. “I hope so,” he said when asked if such situations get the best out of Australia. “Obviously, a must-win match for us. It usually does bring out the best of the Australia cricket team in big tournaments. I think for us it’s just about treating it as a quarterfinal and coming out and playing the way that we know that we’re capable of playing. That usually brings out the best in us.”
Smith said the occasion was even more exciting as it was against England, who he praised for transforming their cricket. “I guess there’s always been a big rivalry with England. So the guys are incredibly excited about tomorrow,” he said. “Looks like the forecast has cleared up a little bit too, so hopefully, we can get through our first game of this tournament and have some success.
“I think England have come a long way. I think they’re playing some very good cricket, particularly here at home. They’ve got some dangerous players that we’re going to have to keep quiet. We’re certainly going to have to be at our best tomorrow if we’re going to beat them.”
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