Australia’s captain, Steve Smith, believes his team can handle India’s strong spin attack in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday.
Both teams will meet at Dubai International Stadium, recreating the 2023 World Cup final, which Australia won in Ahmedabad against India. Australia secured a five-wicket win against England in their opening game but faced rain cancellations in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
India dominated Group A, winning all three matches, including their Sunday victory over New Zealand, led by their skilled spinners. Varun Chakravarthy impressed in his second ODI, taking 5-42 in Dubai, strengthening his case for inclusion in the semi-final squad.
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Steve Smith said during a press conference on Monday before the crucial game, “Their entire spin attack is strong, not just Chakravarthy.” “For us, the key will be playing spin well, especially during the middle overs. That phase might decide the game’s outcome.”
Steve Smith acknowledged that spin would play a major role on Dubai’s pitch, and his team had strategies to tackle India’s bowlers. “We expect turn on this pitch. We have various strategies to counter it and adjust accordingly based on the conditions,” he said.
Australia will compete without fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, who are sidelined due to injuries. Smith mentioned that Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne could provide additional spin support to Zampa and Maxwell.
“Our squad includes part-time spinners who can contribute, along with our frontline bowlers,” he added during the media briefing. All-rounder Cooper Connolly replaced Matthew Short, who exited the tournament after sustaining a thigh injury earlier in the event.
Australia and South Africa traveled from Pakistan to Dubai without knowing their semi-final opponents until after India’s last match. Critics questioned India’s advantage of playing all games in Dubai while other teams moved between Pakistan and the UAE.
India refused to compete in Pakistan due to political tensions, prompting all their matches to be held in Dubai exclusively. Smith dismissed concerns over unfair scheduling, saying his team benefited from a break before the upcoming high-pressure match. “We made the right call by arriving early. A short reset here helped us train and unwind after Pakistan’s strict security protocols.”
Australia defeated India by six wickets in the 2023 World Cup final, with Travis Head scoring an unbeaten 137 runs. “Every big game comes with pressure,” Smith said while discussing Head’s potential impact in the semi-final against India. “Travis has excelled in past high-stakes matches. His form against Afghanistan shows he’s ready to deliver another strong performance.”
The second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand will take place in Lahore on Wednesday, following the Dubai showdown.
