Steve Smith has bemoaned the pitch in Dubai that was used for the Champions Trophy semi-final between Australia and India, saying it was “completely different” to the ones being used in Pakistan. India advanced to the final on Tuesday night, beating Australia by four wickets thanks to Virat Kohli’s 84.

Australia made 264 from 49.3 overs while batting first in the UAE, but it wasn’t enough as India won with 11 balls to spare. India will now host the final on Sunday night in Dubai, adding to controversy surrounding the fact they’re the only team in the competition who don’t have to play in Pakistan.

Pakistan are the official hosts, but India have been playing in Dubai due to geopolitical tensions between the neighbouring countries. It means India have the huge advantage of playing all their games at the same venue and not being burdened by travel.

Speaking after Australia’s loss on Tuesday night, captain Smith said the pitch in Dubai was vastly different to those being used in Pakistan and suited the Indian spinners to a tee. While not willing to comment on the situation between India and Pakistan, Smith did highlight the glaring unfairness of the situation.

“It is what it is,” he said. “India played some really good cricket here. The surface suits their style with the spinners that they’ve got and the seamers that they have at their disposal for a wicket like that.

“The wickets we played on (in Pakistan), they’re completely different tracks. This one’s quite slow, two-paced, took some spin. I think the Gaddafi track (at Lahore) is arguably one of the best one-day wickets in the world for batting. The ball skids on nicely, the outfield’s lightning. There’s definite differences.”

But Smith added of India: “They played well. They outplayed us and they deserve the victory.”

Steve Smith says Aussie batters fell short

Smith said Australia missed a trick by not making 300 or more. “We had our opportunities throughout to post something up above 300,” he said. “We were probably just that one wicket down too many at a few stages throughout the innings.

“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. On that surface (300) would have been a really good total. (They) have got to take a few more risks to get above the rate. With 264, they were able to absorb a few balls here and there.

“They kept their run rate in check throughout. We were probably just one or two wickets away. We took it as deep as we could, but they chased really nicely. (Virat Kohli) is arguably the best chaser the game has seen, he played really well again.”

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The fact India will now host the final in Dubai has left the cricket world even more infuriated. Former England international Johnathan Agnew said earlier in the tournament: “I feel very uncomfortable about the way that India is being treated at the moment. This is wrong. If you’re going to play international tournaments, you can’t pick and choose where you play and where you’re not going to play. I don’t see how long this can carry on for? It makes a farce of these tournaments.”

Pat Cummins, who skipped the tournament due to an ankle complaint and a desire to be at home after the birth of his second child, told Yahoo Sport Australia: “I think it’s good in that the tournament can go on, but obviously it does give them (India) a huge advantage playing on the same ground. They already look very strong and they’ve got that obvious benefit of playing all their games there.”