Champions Trophy: Smith confident of beating England in do or die clash

Photo: AP

New Delhi: Australia captain Steve Smith is not perturbed by the precarious situation and has instead made it clear that his side has its eye set on beating England and advance to the semi final of the Champions Trophy.

Rain has so far maintained a bitter-sweet relation with Smith's side by rescuing them against New Zealand and robbing them against Bangladesh. 

Monday’s washout meant Australia are yet to play a full game and are left with no other options but to beat England in order advance further in the tournament.

"I think it makes the equation pretty simple for us," Smith said.

"We have to beat England and then I think we're through.

"I haven't really read into anything else that's happened. I guess we've just got to beat England."

On both occasions, it has been Australia who were batting in the early stages of their innings when bad weather ended play.

Against Bangladesh, they had reached 83-1 in pursuit of 183 to win and required only four more overs to be bowled to ensure they would take maximum points via the Duckworth- Lewis rule used in rain-affected matches.

In the circumstances, Australia could have done with their batsmen being in good form before the crunch encounter with their old rivals.

But, asked if their lack of time at the crease could undermine them against England, Australia captain Smith said: "I'm sure they will be okay.

"You know, most of the guys have been playing a lot of cricket, anyway, having been at the IPL and things like that.

"I think once they get out in the middle, things will just click into place, and yeah, hopefully we can play well in Birmingham."

On the bright side for Smith, his bowlers were more effective against Bangladesh after struggling to find their rhythm in the New Zealand match.

Pace bowler Mitchell Starc was the cream of the crop with four wickets in nine balls in rout the Bangladesh tail.