Australia stand-in skipper Steve Smith has claimed that they will remain flexible and adaptable throughout the Champions Trophy ahead of their opening match against England. Australia are coming into the tournament missing a lot of their star players after losing the ODI series against Sri Lanka 0-2. This means that batting will be an area the Aussies will look to bank on to bail them out from tricky situations.
England have named their playing XI for the match as they have gone with 3 pacers in the lineup. Speaking ahead of the game, Smith said that Australia will bank on versatility and he could come in to bat at No.3 or No.4 according to the situation and if they’re batting first or second.
“We’ll wait and see,” Smith told cricket.com.au when asked where he would bat. “It’s part of our discussions around flexibility and role-specific things throughout the tournament.”
“One day I might be three, one day I might be four – we’ll see.”
“It might change from batting first to second as well, depending on what we want to do and what we’re chasing and what we’re trying to achieve,” said Smith.
Smith said that dew is going to play a huge role in the back end of the second innings during the Champions Trophy. The Aussie skipper assured his side would remain adaptable throughout the tournament.
“I think dew is going to be a huge part in the back end of the second innings, whether we want to load up the back end a little bit more.”
“I know there’s five (fielders) out at that stage, but I think with a wet ball that kind of negates that in a way, particularly with guys that have played a lot of T20 cricket who know what they can do with five out when the ball’s skidding on nicely.”
“There’s different scenarios that we can go down, but we’re going to be flexible and adaptable throughout,” said Smith.
Australia are chasing their first win in Champions Trophy since 2009.
