Fury over India 'advantage', Australia v India preview, South Africa comments

Questions are being asked about the integrity of the Champions Trophy after brutal scheduling forced South Africa to make an unnecessary trip to Dubai.

After the Proteas and Aussies finished one and two in Group B, the final round-robin match between India and New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday night (AEDT) determined the final standings in Group A.

India won the clash by 44 runs to top the group, and will now play Australia on Tuesday night in the first semi-final.

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But thanks to India's decision not to play any of its matches in Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries, both Australia and South Africa travelled to Dubai without knowing where their semi would be held.

India have been given a 'huge' advantage in the Champions Trophy. Getty

Had they waited until Monday to travel, they would not have been able to train before playing an Indian team that had played all three of its matches at the same venue.

South Africa landed in Dubai at midday on Sunday local time, and will turn around and fly back to Pakistan at 4am local time.

TV rights deals in India also dictated the team would always play the first semi-final, rather than the second, if they were to qualify - regardless of other outcomes.

Usual scheduling logic would have had the Proteas-Black Caps in the first semi, to give the Aussies an extra day to travel to Dubai and prepare.

The BBC's chief cricket writer Jonathan Agnew said the scheduling was "a bit crazy".

"India are camped out in Dubai, playing in the same ground and same places, in the (same) changing room," he said.

"Both Australia and South Africa will fly to Dubai but only one will play there and the other will get back on a plane to Lahore.

"It's all got a bit crazy."

Proteas batter Rassie van der Dussen was also critical of the advantage India hold in the tournament by playing all their matches in the same place.

"If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it's definitely an advantage," he said last week.

"I don't think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that."

Most pundits believe the Champions Trophy has been heavily skewed to help India win a trophy, but Australia now has a chance to knock them out.

Despite the sub-optimal preparation, Australian vice-captain Travis Head said he and his teammates would do their best to stay relaxed.

"(Dubai) looks like it's a little bit more difficult or more challenging pitch than (Lahore) – it's a little bit more low-scoring," he said before flying to the Emirati capital.

"We'll prepare as well as we can, so we'll see how we go."

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