Australian batsman Mike Hussey says the world champions must aim to improve as they progress through the Champions Trophy despite their recent encouraging one-day form.
Hussey felt Australia still had some areas to work on ahead of their opening pool game, against a weakened West Indies on Saturday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Although Australia beat England 6-1 in the recently-completed one-day series, Hussey said his side could improve its batting under pressure and fielding.
But he was confident there would not be any case of battle fatigue among the Australians after a long tour of England, as the prospect of playing the best sides in the world would lift the team.
"I guess it's new and exciting and all the best players around the world are here, so you spruce up a little bit no question," he said.
"The one-dayers [against England] were good.
"I still think we've got a few areas we need to improve in if we're going to be right up there at the business end of this tournament.
"We've got to make sure we try to start a tournament well and try to get better and better each game."
Australia will resume training on Thursday and begin preparations for the West Indies who are fielding an unfamiliar side at the moment, given their star players are absent because of a contract dispute with their board.
The West Indies were comfortably beaten in their opening game, by Pakistan, after they were restricted to 133 and were beaten by five wickets at the Wanderers on Wednesday.
Hussey said most of the footage to be analysed of Floyd Reifer's side would come from the Windies' loss to Bangladesh two months ago.
But he was confident Australia could do well in the tournament if they focused on raising their own game.
"Although it's important to focus on what they're going to do and what they can do and their strengths and weaknesses, we've got to make sure we get our things right," he said.
"I'd back us if we can get our things right, then we'll be pretty competitive with all teams around the world no matter who they are."
- AAP
Cricket: Oz must stay hungry after English feast, says Hussey
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.