Steve Smith - players.bio

India Look To Spin A New Tale Against Australia In Champions Trophy Semi-Final

History weighs heavily against them but India would rely on a potent spin battery and familiarity with the conditions to break the knockout jinx against an undermanned Australia when the two formidable cricket forces clash in the Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday. It will not be a straightforward task, though, as the Aussies are a resilient beast in global tournaments even without their lead cast of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Their stunning chase of 352 against England at Lahore a few days back validates the thought.

Australia Batters Focus On Spinners Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinals

Australia had an intense three-hour practice session at the ICC Academy on Sunday afternoon with the focus firmly on their play against spin. While senior pros like Steve Smith and Travis Head had a light hit, the youngsters went full throttle. The Australian team opted for seven ICC academy based net bowlers -- all spinners including slow left-arm orthodox Harshit Seth, a 20 year old UAE player, besides two left arm Chinaman bowlers, as many off-spinners and a leg-spinner. Australia finished second in Group B behind South Africa and both teams are camping in the UAE, waiting to know who their opponents will be in the semifinals. Australia will face table toppers from Group A, either India or New Zealand, in their last four clash.

Watch: Australia's Josh Inglis Controversially Runs Out Afghanistan Star. What Steve Smith Does Next Stuns All

Australia captain Steve Smith's sportsman spirit during the side's Champions Trophy 2025 match against Afghanistan on Friday has become a topic of discussion. On the final ball of the 47th over of the Afghanistan innings, Azmatullah Omarzai played a delivery to mid-wicket fielder and took a single. After completing the run, Noor Ahmad, who then reached the striker's end, walked out of his crease without even wicketkeeper Josh Inglis collecting the ball from the fielder. As Noor left his crease before the throw arrived at striker's end and the ball could be deemed dead, Inglis clipped off the bails after receiving the throw and appealed for a run-out.

Major Blow For Australia Ahead Of Likely Champions Trophy Semi-Final vs India, Top Star Most Likely To Miss Out

Australian opener Matthew Short will likely miss the Champions Trophy semifinal against either India or New Zealand after the in-form batter suffered a quad injury in the washed out match against Afghanistan. Short had scored a 15-ball 20 on Friday but had looked in visible pain before he was dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai as Australia advanced to the semifinals with four points. The 29-year-old white-ball player had scored 63 as Steve Smith's Australia had chased down England's mammoth 351 in their opening match of the Champions Trophy.

Short doubtful for Australia's Champions Trophy semi

Australia's Matt Short looks set to miss the Champions Trophy semi-finals after suffering a thigh injury during Friday's abandoned Group B match against Afghanistan in Lahore.

Steve Smith Hails Bowlers After Australia Book Champions Trophy Semifinals Berth

Australia's stand-in skipper Steve Smith lavished praise on his disciplined bowlers after the team secured a semi-final spot in the ongoing Champions Trophy following a rain-abandoned match against Afghanistan on Friday. Australia was in control at 109/1 in 12.5 overs, chasing 274, when a downpour left the field waterlogged. Following a two-hour delay, the match was called off, ensuring Australia's qualification with four points. "That's what we were after in the start, to finish in the top two and qualify for the semis. I thought the guys did a good job, made good changes and took wickets in the middle. Did well to restrict them to 270 and we were in a good position," said Smith in the post-match interaction with the broadcaster.

Australia Enter Champions Trophy Semifinals After Washout Against Afghanistan

Australia entered the semifinals of the Champions Trophy after their crucial Group B clash against Afghanistan was called off due to rain in Lahore on Friday. The match was halted by a downpour when Australia were 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs, chasing a target of 274. Despite the ground staffs' efforts to clear the field, several pools of water remained on the pitch and the umpires ultimately declared the match abandoned after an inspection. The interruption came just an hour before the cut-off time for completing the match.

What Afghanistan-Australia Washout Means For Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinals Race

Australia qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals after their Group B match against Afghanistan was washed out in Lahore on Friday. Thanks to the result, Australia have 4 points from 3 matches while Afghanistan and South Africa both have 3 points each. However, South Africa have played one game less and they will take on England in their final Group B encounter on Saturday. If South Africa win the game, they will join Australia in the semifinals as the group-topper with 5 points.

Contacts

Steve Smith Sport News

India Look To Spin A New Tale Against Australia In Champions Trophy Semi-Final

Australia Batters Focus On Spinners Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinals

Watch: Australia's Josh Inglis Controversially Runs Out Afghanistan Star. What Steve Smith Does Next Stuns All

Major Blow For Australia Ahead Of Likely Champions Trophy Semi-Final vs India, Top Star Most Likely To Miss Out

Short doubtful for Australia's Champions Trophy semi

Steve Smith Hails Bowlers After Australia Book Champions Trophy Semifinals Berth

Australia Enter Champions Trophy Semifinals After Washout Against Afghanistan

What Afghanistan-Australia Washout Means For Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinals Race