It’s expected that players from India, Pakistan, or other competing nations will focus on winning their group stage matches first. But when it comes to Australia’s journey in the Champions Trophy, they are approaching the tournament differently. As Australian captain Steven Smith has communicated to his team, their journey begins right from the “quarter-final.”
While there’s no traditional quarter-final stage in this tournament—where after the group stages, teams move directly to the semi-finals—Australia is approaching the competition as if every match is a knockout. Smith’s mindset is clear: “We are starting this tournament as if every game is a quarter-final.” His message is that the team needs to perform from the very first game.
Australia will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign on Saturday in Lahore against their fierce rivals, England. However, the team is not at full strength. Smith is leading the team in an interim role, and the squad is somewhat depleted. Still, it’s hard to overlook the fact that Australia, with its history of success, is always a formidable force in ICC tournaments.
Australia has won the ODI World Cup six times, more than any other nation. They are also the first team to win the Champions Trophy twice. In 2021, they clinched the T20 World Cup, and they are the current ICC World Test Championship holders, having made it to the final again this year. Regardless of their team’s current state, Australia remains a team to reckon with.
However, there are challenges. Sometimes, Australia takes a while to hit top form. As seen in the last ODI World Cup, they started poorly, losing their first two matches before going on to win nine straight games and claiming the trophy. But in the Champions Trophy, losing even one or two matches could mean elimination, making it crucial for the team to start strong.
Before the game against England, Smith was asked about Australia’s dominance in ICC tournaments. He explained, “Big tournaments tend to bring out the best in Australia. Though we might not have been at our best over the past decade, like in the last Champions Trophy, we know that in major tournaments, sometimes it takes us a little while to find our rhythm, like in recent World Cups.”
But with the Champions Trophy being a shorter tournament, with only three group games, Australia cannot afford to ease into the competition. “We need to be alert from the very first match. Our message to the team is, we are starting with a quarter-final match. Hopefully, this will bring out the best in our players.”
Despite the team’s struggles with injuries and absences—regular captain Pat Cummins, key fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green are unavailable due to injuries and personal reasons, and experienced all-rounder Marcus Stoinis unexpectedly retired after the squad announcement—Smith remains confident. The team is full of young players eager to step up.
“I’m quite relaxed. There’s always pressure in international cricket, especially in big tournaments. Of course, we’re missing some quality fast bowlers, but we’re not dwelling on that. Instead, we’re focusing on those who are here and the opportunities they have.”
“There are several talented cricketers in the team who are playing their first big tournament, and they’re eager to get on the field. I’m excited to see them play against quality opposition under pressure. It will be a great experience for them, and it’s an exciting time for us. We can’t wait to get started.”
Smith’s unwavering confidence and determination are clear, and despite the challenges, the Australian squad is ready to give it their all from the very first match.
