Australia’s star batter Steve Smith has emphasized that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy remains a primary focus for the team as they gear up for a two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
With Australia battling multiple injuries, the 35-year-old is likely to step in as captain for the series. However, Smith dismissed any notion that the team is taking Sri Lanka lightly, despite keeping one eye on the major ICC tournament ahead.
“I’d be lying if I said the Champions Trophy wasn’t at the forefront of our minds—it’s a massive ICC tournament for us,” Smith said ahead of the ODI series. “While we are focused on finishing this series strongly, we also want to ensure we carry good form into the Champions Trophy.”
Preparation and Momentum from Sri Lanka Tour
Smith credited Australia’s training camp in the UAE as a key factor in their success on the subcontinent, having secured a historic 2-0 Test series sweep in Sri Lanka—their first red-ball series win there in 14 years. He believes the experience will help the squad as they transition into ODI cricket.
“The camp was hugely beneficial. We prepared on challenging wickets, and the batters found ways to succeed in these conditions. Our spinners worked on pace variations, while the seamers fine-tuned their reverse swing. We hope to bring all that into this series and finish on a high.”
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Adjusting to White-Ball Cricket
With a quick turnaround between the Test and ODI series, Smith remains confident that the team can adapt seamlessly to the 50-over format.
“Some players have been playing in the Big Bash, so they’ve had recent white-ball experience. The Test players need to adjust, but it won’t take long to get back into the rhythm and pace of ODIs. That’s what these two games are all about,” he explained.
Smith’s Elbow Injury Update
Smith also provided an update on his right elbow injury, which he aggravated while making a throw during the second Test. Initially hurt during the Big Bash, he assured that it would not affect his batting.
“It’s all right, but my throwing will be a bit limited for a while. I threw off balance the other day, which wasn’t ideal, but it’s feeling better than when I first injured it. It won’t impact my batting—just my throwing for now,”
he added.
Australia will play their two ODIs against Sri Lanka on February 12 and 14 before heading to Lahore for their Champions Trophy opener against England on February 22.
