We know New Zealand inside and out, says Hastings

Australia might have been limited in its final warm-up game by the rain, but all-rounder John Hastings is confident his team will hit the ground running in the ICC Champions Trophy. Only 10 overs of play were possible at Edgbaston before the rain put paid to Australia’s warm-up game against Pakistan, with the former 57 for one at the time.

As a result Australia’s attentions will turn to its opening pool game against New Zealand on Friday, again in Birmingham, and Hastings believes his side is in good shape.

He said: “It’s not ideal but I think since the boys landed on 19 May, we’ve had a really good set-up. We had a game against Sri Lanka the other day. All the batsmen got some good overs under their belt. Myself and James Pattinson have been over playing county cricket as well.

“So as far as being ready, I think we are, we’ve had some boys in the IPL. Josh Hazlewood had a good hit-out the other day and Mitchell Starc has been doing well in the nets as well so as far as preparation goes, we’re just about ready to hit our straps.

“We’ve played (New Zealand) a lot over the last 12 months. I think we’ve played 10 one-day games, so we know them inside and out. We’ll do the rest of our homework on them and hopefully we hit the ground running on Friday.”

Hastings has a better idea than most what to expect in England, having spent the last three seasons playing county cricket. This year he has impressed for Worcestershire, and according to Hastings, the experience of English conditions in the squad could play a key role.

He added: “Having played here for the last three years, I think that will hold us in good stead. A few of us have actually played over here now, Finchy (Aaron Finch) had a good stint, Travis Head has played for Yorkshire, (Glenn) Maxwell for Yorkshire as well and (James) Pattinson’s at Nottinghamshire, I’m at Worcester. So, there’s enough experience in the room about English conditions.

“I think that’s going to be crucial because one day can be raining and overcast conditions and another can be sun and the ball doesn’t move much. It’s about adapting to the conditions and whoever does that will be best-placed.”

Australia has won the tournament on two previous occasions, and is in a pool with hosts England, New Zealand and Bangladesh.