England face their traditional rival Australia, starting their campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy at the newly-constructed Gaddafi Stadium today (Saturday).
The high-profile Group B clash wield important for the traditional rivals. another team in Group ‘B’, thrashed Afghanistan by 107 runs in their match at Karachi on Friday.
Due to injuries, several Australian players including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh are not part of the ICC Champions Trophy squad. Aussies start their campaign in the much-hyped tournament without key players in team.
The pitch is likely to help the batters as it was witnessed in the two matches of the tri-nation series held in Lahore, involving Pakistan, South Africa and eventual winners New Zealand.
Australia have won the Champions Trophy title twice, in 2006 and 2009. England are yet to win their first title.
Both teams expressed optimism about their performances in the match.
“Yes, they [injured players] have been a pillar of success for Australia and they will miss them but they have some top players to step into as well and Australia always have performed very well in the ICC tournaments,” Buttler said.
“Obviously there is a pressure of the international tournaments and obviously we are missing our key players but I hope our youngsters will bring out their best in the coming matches,” Australian skipper Smith stated.
