ICC Champions Trophy: Carey 'thrilled' by unique challenge in South Africa

Alex Carey (33) expressed that Australia is prepared for the 'exciting' challenge presented by a strong South Africa as they face each other in the Champions Trophy for the first time in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Australia, the ICC Champions Trophy champions in 2006 and 2009, successfully chased down 352 runs, marking the highest target ever achieved in the tournament's history, against England in Lahore during a Group B match on Saturday.

Carey contributed an impressive 69 runs, partnering with Player of the Match Josh Inglis, who achieved his first one-day international century, to secure a five-wicket victory.

South Africa delivered a dominant performance against Afghanistan, winning by 107 runs in Karachi.

"I think South Africa are playing really well in one-day cricket and look like they've got a great balance across their 11 players," the 33-year-old Carey said on Monday.

"So, another exciting opportunity for us coming off the back of a great game against England, play with a lot of freedom, take the game on."AFP

Australia and South Africa have yet to face each other in the Champions Trophy, with the Proteas enjoying a significant edge, having secured victories in nine of their last twelve One Day Internationals against Australia. Furthermore, Australia is currently without their esteemed pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc.

"Look, it's an inexperienced bowling attack, there's no hiding away from that. In and around that we've got some experience with our leg-spinner Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell," Carey said.

The pace trio consisting of Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, and Nathan Ellis conceded 171 runs while taking three wickets over the course of 27 overs, as England amassed a total of 351 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Nonetheless, Carey supported a formidable Australian batting lineup that features Travis Head.

"We've got Steve Smith who's a fantastic captain," Carey said. "I think if we are to bat first throughout the tournament, I'll back our boys to defend."

"Travis will try to smack them at the top with Matthew Short. You've got Smith and Marnus (Labuschagne) through the middle and then hopefully set it up for Maxwell to go big at the end.

"We know they're a great team... but I feel like our confidence is high and we're really excited for tomorrow," he said.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, with hosts Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A.