Australian captain Steve Smith avoided directly commenting on the advantage India enjoyed in Dubai after his team lost to India by four wickets in the Champions Trophy semi-final.
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03-06, 2025Due to security concerns, India refused to travel to host nation Pakistan to compete, making them the only team in this ODI tournament spared the travel burden. Their victory in the Dubai semi-final also marked their fourth consecutive win in Dubai during this tournament. Their next opponent, whether South Africa or New Zealand, must travel to Dubai after the second semi-final held in Lahore.
When asked about the advantage India enjoyed, Smith said he didn't "believe in that," but he pointed out that the pitches in Dubai did suit their style of play. "India have obviously played some very good cricket here," Smith said at the post-match press conference. He acknowledged the favorable conditions contributed to India's success.
"This venue suits their style, whether it's the spinners they have or the quick bowlers they can use. They performed well, they beat us, and they deserved to win." Indian team coach Gautam Gambhir was more forceful, hitting back at critics by saying Dubai was not the team's home ground. "First of all, for us, it's a neutral venue like it is for any other team," he told reporters. "What undue advantage? We haven't even practiced here for a day. We are practicing at the ICC Academy."
Gambhir added, "If you look at the wickets there and the wickets here, the difference is like the difference between the ground and the sky. Some people are just perpetual complainers, mate. They need to grow up." While the single-day world champion Australia scored a competitive total of 264 after winning the coin toss, their understrength bowling attack was unable to stop Virat Kohli from leading India to a successful chase. The Australians struggled to contain India's strong batting lineup.
Australia was missing regular captain Pat Cummins, as well as two other first-choice fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Smith said that getting 300 might have made a difference against India and acknowledged that the team's relative inexperience may have contributed to their loss. However, he praised the team's unproven players for stepping up and doing a "very good job." He expressed optimism about the team's future development.
"By participating in big events and playing against world-class players like they encountered today and throughout the event, they will get better," he added. "So, there are a lot of positives to take from it." The team's performance, despite the loss, provided valuable learning experiences for the less experienced players.
