Steve Smith was far from happy with the ground staff at The Oval as Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy hopes were once again ruined by rain.

Australia were well on their way to chasing down Bangladesh’s total of 182 when showers started in the 16th over in south London. Just four more overs were needed to guarantee a result, even under the Duckworth/Lewis system, with Smith’s side well ahead of the rate on 1-83.

But just like their opening group game against New Zealand, the wet weather proved frustrating for Australia and the match was finally called off 40 minutes before the scheduled close of play.

But Smith felt the pitch could have been mopped up a bit faster during one break in the rain when it looked as if play would be possible.

"It's a bit frustrating obviously not to get a result in," Smith said. "The groundsmen, they perhaps could have shown a bit more urgency being a big tournament.”

Smith (22 not out) and David Warner (40 not out), were seemingly steering Australia to a comfortable win before the weather turned bad – and the skipper admitted he wanted to keep batting through the drizzle.

"Of course I didn't want to go off. I was happy to keep batting through the rain," Smith added. "But the umpires are there to make a decision and I think drinks was at the end of that over, which probably didn't help.”

Mitchell Starc had earlier ripped through the Bangaldesh tail, by taking four wickets in just nine balls after the world’s No.6 side had struggled badly for runs. Only opener Tamim Iqbal made any real impression with an impressive 95 that included three sixes and six fours.

Australia will now need to beat tournament hosts England on Saturday in their final group game and hope other results also go their way to secure a top two finish and a place in the semi-finals.