Not good enough: Smith demands improvement from side

Australia scrape through against Bangladesh but face tougher tests ahead

BANGALORE: Australian skipper Steve Smith warned his side faced defeat in coming matches unless they improved after their thrilling three-wicket win over Bangladesh in their World T20 clash in Bangalore on Monday.

Smith said the Australians needed to adapt better to different playing conditions if they were going to defeat Pakistan on Friday, before taking on red-hot title favourites India for a place in the semi-finals.



“We haven’t been good enough in the middle overs,” said Smith.

“We’ve had a bit of travel, but it’s not an excuse. Pakistan and India play well in these conditions and we have to do better. Our players have to adapt better [to different grounds].”



Australian spinner Adam Zampa — who took three wickets, his first in T20Is — said the side had been disappointed to lose to New Zealand in the opener. “The equation for us is pretty simple now, win every game,” said Zampa, named man of the match, adding that he expected an equally tough battle with both Pakistan and India.

Bangladesh, demolished by Pakistan in their first group match, are now unlikely to qualify for the semi-finals, sitting at the bottom of their group with two matches left to play.



“Two losses in a row, but we have two matches left and we’ll see what happens,” said skipper Mashrafe Mortaza. “Our fielding and bowling could have been better.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd,  2016.

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