LONDON: Steve Smith insists Australia’s batsmen will be ready for their do or die Champions Trophy showdown with England despite their lack of action in the tournament.

Smith’s side endured the frustration of having Monday’s clash with Bangladesh abandoned due to rain, just days after their opening fixture against New Zealand was also washed out.

On both occasions, it has been Australia who were batting in the early stages of their innings when bad weather ended play.

With two points from their two matches, Australia will have to beat hosts England on June 10 to reach the semi-finals.

“I think it makes the equation pretty simple for us,” Smith said. “We have to beat England and then I think we’re through.

“I haven’t really read into anything else that’s happened. I guess we’ve just got to beat England.”

In the circumstances, Australia could have done with their batsmen being in good form before the crunch encounter with their old rivals.

But, asked if their lack of time at the crease could undermine them against England, Australia captain Smith said: “I’m sure they will be okay.”

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2017