Steve Smith ‘unconcerned’ by depleted fast bowling resources ahead of Champions Trophy opener

According to acting captain Steve Smith, Australia will approach their opening Champions Trophy match against England as if it were a quarter-final.

Smith will head up a squad that is significantly depleted, with six first-choice players missing, including the team’s top three fast bowlers.

There’s little room for Australia to ease into the tournament, as they must secure a spot in the finals from just three group matches.

“In major tournaments like the World Cups, it typically takes us a little while to find our rhythm, which we’ve previously managed to do,” Smith remarked.

“However, we understand that the Champions Trophy is a shorter format. With only three round matches, it’s essential to be fully focused from the start.

“Our message to the team is that this is effectively a quarter-final right from the start, and we hope that mindset sparks our players’ best performances.”

Smith, alongside Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Marnus Labuschagne, are the sole players in Pakistan who were part of Australia’s victorious 2023 World Cup squad.

In the squad, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarsuis, and Aaron Hardie are the fast bowling options available, with only Abbott having played more than 10 ODIs.

Still, Smith expressed confidence amid the challenges posed by their under-strength bowling line-up.

“There’s always pressure in international competitions and major tournaments,” he explained. “It’s evident we’re missing some of our standout fast bowlers, but we’re not overly concerned.

“We’re focusing on what we’ve got and the opportunities that lie ahead for those players.”

Australia’s remaining two matches in the Champions Trophy will see them face South Africa in Rawalpindi and Afghanistan in Lahore.