Steve Smith admits lack of recent ODIs could hamper Australia

David Clough 09:50 03/09/2015
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  • Leader: Smith.

    Australia captain Steven Smith admits his team faces a tough task in the ODI series against England as they themselves have played just one ODI since their World Cup triumph, and that was against Ireland.

    Smith is mindful of the break Australia have had in their ODI schedule, but discounts any negative impact from losing the Ashes to England.

    He said: “We haven’t played a lot of one-day cricket obviously since the World Cup, where we were very successful – so it’s about us getting out there and making sure we’re doing the basics well again.

    “It’s a completely different format (to the Ashes). I think our boys are ready for the challenge.”

    Australia know what to expect from England, and will be wellbriefed how to respond.

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    “Obviously, England played really well against New Zealand in their recent one-day series, so we know how they’re going to play,” Smith added.

    “They’re going to play that same positive brand of cricket they’ve been playing. We’ve got to make sure we are challenging their defence.”

    Smith also said the England team has quite a few talented players and can be dangerous.

    “They’ve got a couple of new players in, and the way they played against New Zealand was really good. We just need to be ‘on’ from ball one and make sure we can counter-attack what they come at us with.”

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