Smith vows ‘inexperienced’ Australia will grow from Champions Trophy campaign

Australia’s captain has assured the cricketing world that their ODI team will remain stacked with talented players ready to maximise their potential.

Australia was forced to usher in a largely inexperienced bowling attack following the well-publicised absences of several key contributors.

Ultimately, the team fell short of their hopes and dreams, beaten by India in the Champions Trophy’s first semi-final.

But the Aussies will be buoyed as they review their campaign, highlighted by an impressive win over England and a display of quality cricket in the group stage, when rain didn't wreak havoc.

The pace trio of Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis filled in admirably for Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood, a testament to the cricketing powerhouse’s depth.

In what could prove to be the start of a transitional phase for the Aussies, Smith sang the praises of their ‘generation next’ attack.

“I thought the bowlers did a really good job,” he said after Australia’s campaign-ending loss to India.

“The way we’ve come together (is the most pleasing thing about Australia’s campaign). The bowling attack was quite inexperienced, (but) I thought they did a wonderful job throughout. There were some glimpses tonight of some really good stuff.

“Some really good cricketers (are) in that changeroom and they’re going to continue to get bigger and better.”

Smith took responsibility, along with his batting unit, for Australia’s semi-finals loss. Ultimately, their total of 264 all out proved tough for his attack to defend.

“(They were) not the easiest batting conditions, that is why the scores were what they were," he continued.

"Having said that, I think we could have probably put a few more on. We lost a couple of wickets at crucial times. If we got 280-plus, things could have been different. It always felt like we were one wicket too many down at each stage of the game. If we were able to drag one of those partnerships out, that is probably where we get to 280 and then there is a little but more pressure on the game.”

The next major event on Australia’s calendar is the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June, followed by a tour of the West Indies, which will feature three Tests and five T20 Internationals.