Steve Smith reveals Australia's strategy for Champions Trophy: Key details
What's the story
Australia's stand-in captain, Steve Smith, has detailed a 'flexible' plan for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The team is already facing a lot of challenges with several key players missing due to injuries.
Despite a lackluster 0-2 loss in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, Smith is hopeful of Australia's performance in the tournament.
He stressed on adaptability and versatility as key parts of their game plan.
Here's what the skipper had to say about the team's strategy for the tournament.
Batting strategy
Smith's batting position to be determined by match situation
However, Smith hinted his batting position might change between depending on the match situation and whether Australia bat first or second.
"We'll wait and see," Smith told cricket.com.au about his possible batting spot.
"It's part of our discussions around 'flexibility' and role-specific things throughout the tournament."
This further highlights Australia's focus on flexibility in their game plan for the CT.
"One day I might be three, one day I might be four - we'll see," he added.
Game conditions
Dew factor and adaptability in Australia's game plan
Smith emphasized how much of a factor dew would be in the latter half of the second innings in 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," Smith said.
"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," he added.
Tournament history
Australia's pursuit of 1st Champions Trophy win since 2009
Australia are eyeing their first Champions Trophy win since 2009.
Despite the hurdles in their way, Smith is confident of his boys delivering the goods.
"There's different scenarios that we can go down, but we're going to be flexible and adaptable throughout," said Smith.
The statement highlights Australia's resolve to fight against their current struggles and make it big in the tournament.
Australia begin their 2025 campaign against England on February 22 in Lahore.
Battles
Player battles and key stats
Across 16 innings, Australia's Smith has been dismissed 7 times by Adil Rashid.
Smith has faced 202 balls, scoring 156 runs at 22.28.
Rashid has bowled an impressive 92 dot balls in this duel.
On the other hand, across 4 innings, Root averages 57 against Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa.
Root owns 57 runs from 56 balls, being dismissed once.
Interestingly, 35 of these runs have come from singles.
AUS challenges
Australia's recent ODI struggles and player absences
Australia, the reigning world champions, recently lost ODIs to Pakistan (1-2) and Sri Lanka (0-2).
The team is also coping with the loss of five key players from their original squad.
This includes pace trio Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc as well as all-rounders Marcus Stoinis who retired unexpectedly after being named in the tournament's initial squad, Mitchell Marsh (back injury), and Cameron Green (injury).
Information
Australia predicted XI to face England
Australia predicted XI: Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (WK), Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa.