Australia's Smith Reflects on Near-Miss Against India in Champions Trophy Semifinal

Steve Smith, the Australian captain, lamented the lack of partnerships that prevented his team from reaching a total of 300, which he believed would have changed the outcome of the Champions Trophy semifinal against India in Dubai.

"I think we had our opportunities throughout to post something up above 300. We were probably just that one wicket down too many at a few stages throughout the innings," Smith said. "If we extended one of those partnerships a little bit, we're probably getting up 290-300, and we're putting a bit of pressure on the scoreboard."

Smith praised the Australian bowlers for their efforts, saying they did a "really good job" despite being inexperienced. He also acknowledged that the team's inability to take crucial chances, including a dropped catch of Virat Kohli, ultimately cost them the game.

"We dropped a couple of chances, and I think when you're trying to squeeze the game and you're trying to build a lot of pressure, you need to take those chances when you've got 260 on the board," Smith said. "But that's the game, it happens. No one means to drop a catch. It's part of the game."

Despite the loss, Smith was optimistic about the team's future, saying the experiences of playing in a major competition like the Champions Trophy would hold them in good stead.

"I think we've got pretty good records in big games in ICC events and I thought the guys turned up and did a really good job. So, plenty of positives to take from it," Smith said.