TROPHY FAVOURITES DON’T IMPRESS AUSSIE ACE SMITH

STEVE SMITH is not interested in bookmakers’ opinions — particularly when they say england are favourites for the Champions Trophy. The home side have become a major force in the 50-over game and eoin Morgan’s side are 3-1 to win next month’s ‘mini World Cup’ after just one defeat in 12 home ODIs. But Australia captain Smith isn’t concerned about his side’s Group A rivals. ‘it doesn’t bother me what the bookies think,’ said Smith, whose team take on england at edgbaston on June 10. ‘They’re a good side and have some matchwinners, but a lot of the other teams are very good as well. South Africa, india, a few others on their day.’ Australia remain in a pay dispute with their cricket board and vicecaptain David Warner even raised the prospect last week of this winter’s Ashes being under threat. Smith does not think it will come to that. He said: ‘We’re sticking strongly together. The (players’ union) are working really hard to get a deal right and i’m sure in time everything will be OK.’