Smith left frustrated as rain hurts Australian chances

Rain seems to follow Australia whenever it is in England for the ICC Champions Trophy.

In 2013, when Australia took on New Zealand in Birmingham, rain spoilt its chances when New Zealand was 51 for 2 chasing 244. Australia went on to lose its next match as well and returned home after a winless campaign.

Four years on, Australia have played two games, and both have ended in no-results because of rain. By its captain’s own admission, Australia got away in the first match against New Zealand but was very unlucky to miss out on full points in the Monday match against Bangladesh at The Oval.

After 16 overs of its innings, when play was called off, Australia was well ahead of the DLS par total, but had to be content with just one point as rain prevented the four more overs needed to make it a valid match.

“A little bit frustrating obviously not to get a result in,” conceded Smith after the game. “The groundsmen could have shown a bit more urgency being a big tournament. But I think they did the best job they could, and the umpires said it was an 8.30 start, so you've got to do what the umpires say.”

Smith said the wait for the action to restart wasn't fun, but stressed that Australia's players were in good spirits and eager to take on England in its final group match.

“Guys were doing all different things. I was actually playing a crossword,” he smiled. “You can't do much when it's raining, really. You just have to switch off and know that if you do get back on, be ready to be switched on and be ready to go from ball one. Rain delays aren't that much fun to be honest.

“The other day wasn't great but this game, we were going pretty well and things were looking good. Disappointing not to get a win but can't do much about the weather and we can't control that. The equation is pretty simple for us now. We have to beat England and I think then we're through.”

But despite the no-result, there were plenty of positives for Australia. Smith had been critical of Australia’s bowlers after their performance against New Zealand but was full of praise for them after bowling Bangladesh out for just 182.

“I thought all our bowlers were a lot better today,” he assessed. “We hit some good areas early on and challenged the defence of Bangladeshi batsmen. Everyone that bowled I thought did a pretty good job today, and it was nice that we were able to turn things around from the way things went in the first game against New Zealand.”

Mashrafe Mortaza, meanwhile, conceded that Bangladesh was lucky to escape but hoped the break would help them qualify for the knockouts, just like it did in a similar situation in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

“Well, you never know,” he said of his side’s chances. “I think even in 2015 World Cup, we got one point from Australia and went through. It really helped us. This time we have a chance. We have to beat New Zealand and obviously we have to wait for a few results as well. So our job is to play hard against New Zealand and if we can go through, then you never know.”

Mortaza was candid in his admission that Australia was ahead but pointed out that Smith’s men too had a lucky break in their game against New Zealand. “I think Australia was far ahead of us,” he said. “But if you look at last match between New Zealand and Australia, I think Australia (was) also in the same position (as us).

“So you can't do anything with weather. Both teams are now in the situation that Australia has to win against England and we have a great chance to beat New Zealand and go through. So let’s wait and see.”

Australia takes on England in Birmingham on June 10 while Bangladesh plays New Zealand a day earlier in Cardiff.