LAHORE: Australia captain Steve Smith praised Pakistan batter Babar Azam and backed him to regain form ahead of their opening match against England in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 here at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Babar has been the Pakistani mainstay in the batting for over a few years and is currently struggling for form after a string of low scores. He last scored his ODI hundred back in Asia Cup 2023 against Nepal.
While addressing the pre-match presser, Smith hailed Babar Azam as a top-quality player.
“Babar Azam is a very skillful player; his technique is very good. He has not been scoring well for some time, which is part of the game. I hope he will regain his form soon,” said Smith.
He further expressed confidence in his team and backed them to do well, acknowledging the absence of pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc.
“We are pretty much relaxed and preparing for tommorow’s match. Although some of big players are not playing in this event but we are doing our preparation,” said the stand-in skipper.
He highlighted the England team’s performance, especially in white-balls; however, he said we know what we need to do in tomorrow’s match.
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“England is a good team, especially in White-balls, we know what to do in the encounter against them, we will announce our playing XI at the toss,” he said.
While answering the question regarding the Australian team’s dominance in ICC events, Smith stated that Aussies handle pressure very well.
“I don’t know about the reason behind success of the Australian team in ICC tournaments; I think our team handles pressure very well in these kind of tournaments,” said Smith.
Smith also acknowledged Pakistan’s warm hospitality, along with state-of-the-art facilities in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
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“Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is beautiful, and the facilities and dressing rooms are top-notch. Pakistan’s hospitality is very good, and the people and food here are amazing,” concluded Smith.
For the unversed, Australia will lock horns against England tomorrow to win their first match in the Champions Trophy since 2009.
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