Australia to play India in Champions Trophy semi-final after mixed preparation

Taking a punt on an extra plane flight proved the right move for Australia, but a big selection decision loomed ahead of their Champions Trophy semi-final.

Australian spin star Adam Zampa conceded he’d been well below his best at the Champions Trophy amid a “hectic” travel schedule that included an inspired early move to Dubai after India locked in a semi-final showdown.

Having secured a semi-final spot, the Aussies made the shift from Pakistan to Dubai despite not knowing who their opponent would be but took a punt India would take down New Zealand, which happened on Sunday night.

India is the only team that hasn’t travelled to Pakistan throughout the tournament, but the Aussies could be up for another plane ride should they win the semi, with the final to be played in Lahore.

A massive selection decision also looms with opener Matt Short ruled out and Cooper Connolly confirmed as an injury replacement in the squad.

Having had two of three lead-in games impacted by rain, including one wiped out totally, Zampa, who has only bowled 13 overs for the tournament, said it had been a punctuated preparation so far for Tuesday’s semi.

“We’ve obviously had a bit of a hectic schedule playing a couple of games in Pakistan back and forth in between cities,” he said.

Rain has proved a problem at the Champions Trophy. Picture: Aamir Qureshi / AFP

“And reflecting back now, firstly that win against England probably set up giving the rain that came, and then half innings against Afghanistan. There’s probably not a bad preparation here. Our preparation’s been OK.

“I think with these tournaments, you don’t play a lot of games anyway, so they’re pretty cutthroat.

“Two games that we have kind of played, we feel good about where we’re sitting, but the tournament really starts now, the semi -finals.”

Zampa said he was “working on some stuff” to find his best bowling at the right time, having only taken two wickets in games against England and Afghanistan.

“Personally, I don’t think I’m bowing it quite at my best,” he said.

Australia's Adam Zampa says he has been below his best.

“But I like to think the beauty about me is when I’m not quite at my best and not feeling that great out there is my ability to still contribute and take those big wickets.

“Obviously working on some stuff at the moment to hopefully get back to my best, but as I said, the ability to still do a job for the team and get those big wickets is still there, which to me is really important.”

Australia has possibly exceeded expectations given the levels of inexperience in the squad, but Zampa said “contributions from guys who you know not that you don’t expect it from” have been important and would remain so in the showdown with India.

“It makes us feel good about where we’re sitting,” he said.

Originally published as Australia to play India in Champions Trophy semi-final after mixed preparation