CT 2017: Steve Smith treating every match like a final

Australian skipper Steve Smith is looking set for their upcoming clash against Bangladesh at The Oval in the Champions Trophy 2017. The match is expected to be a virtual knockout for both the teams. It is a must win game for the two sides. While Bangladesh were beaten by England in their first game, Australia had to settle for a washed out game against New Zealand.

As per the quotes in Sky Sports, Steve Smith noted that a washout is certainly not something any side would want in a short tournament such as this. Also, he noted that they are keen on winning the remaining matches are are treating every game as a final from now on. He further added that they have to win the match against Bangladesh to stay in contention.

“It’s obviously not ideal for both sides to have a washout. So for us now it’s just about making sure that we’re playing each game like a final and winning the next two. It’s a pretty quick tournament. So you can’t really afford a washout or a loss. You’ve got to turn it around quickly now and control what you can control,” quoted Steve Smith.

“We’re going to be trying to win the game. So whatever team we see fit for the next match against Bangladesh at The Oval, we’ll look at the conditions there and see what sort of wicket we get. Obviously, we’ve got to win the next game and probably quite well as well. So we’ll look at that when we get there,” he added.

Mortaza hopes for Deja vu

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza recalled the times in 2005 when Bangladesh had stunned Australia at Cardiff in an ODI. Mortaza hopes for a repeat show and recalled the best moment that he had in the match. “Cardiff is 12 years back and obviously tomorrow is a new day, but it has been a good memory for us. All I can remember (about it) is (I got) Adam Gilchrist out,” quoted Mashrafe.