Skipper Smith wants to put distractions behind

London, May 24 

Australia skipper Steve Smith today admitted that the players have been distracted regarding the ongoing pay dispute with Cricket Australia but are now determined to put that behind with an aim to regain the Champions Trophy. “I will be getting on the job at hand, wherever I am that is my job and I have to be up with every challenge - that’s part and parcel of being a sportsperson,” Smith said when asked about how much the dispute has affected the team.

On a personal note, Smith had a good time in the IPL with some good knocks, helping the team reach the final. “I had a good two months in India with the Indian Premier League and we are really excited about this tournament,” he said.

“England is a great place to play and all the boys are pumped up for this one. We have had a busy schedule but I am feeling really good physically and mentally and things are in a good place. This tournament is really important one for us. We have a bit of a break after this and have to go as hard as we can to do well,” said the Aussie captain.

Smith wants to emulate the Australian teams of the past which have had stupendous record in ICC events.  — PTI