Teams facing 'crazy' Dubai travel plans for semis
Australia and South Africa will travel to Dubai before the Champions Trophy semi-finals, despite not knowing if they will play there or in Pakistan.Dubai will host the first semi-final on Tuesday with the second match played in Lahore, Pakistan, a day later.India, who are guaranteed to progress from Group A, are playing all of their matches in Dubai after opting not to travel to Pakistan.Group B concludes with South Africa's match against England on Saturday but neither the Proteas or Australia will know the venue for their semi-final until after the conclusion of India's match against New Zealand on Sunday.Were they to wait until Monday and only travel when the fixtures were confirmed, that would rule out the possibility of training in Dubai – where India will have played all three group matches.It raises the prospect of Australia taking the three-hour flight from Lahore to Dubai on Saturday, only to have to fly back on Monday if they do not meet India.Similarly, South Africa will fly to Dubai in the early hours of Sunday and could return to Pakistan 24 hours later if they do not have to face India.
Whichever team finishes second in Group A will meet the winner of Group B and vice-versa. India are guaranteed to play the first semi-final on Tuesday regardless of their group position, however.There has been criticism throughout the tournament of the advantage India hold by playing all of their matches at the venue.Others have played across the four venues in Pakistan and Dubai."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," South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen said earlier this week."I don't think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that."BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew said: "India are camped out in Dubai, playing in the same ground and same places in the changing room. "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."
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