Smith defends selection amid pitch confusion, calling it "mind-boggling"

Australia's top players have responded to criticism over their selection and performance during their tour of India. The confusion over which pitch the Border Gavaskar Trophy series finale will be played on has added to the pressure. The fill-in captain, Steve Smith, was unaware of which pitch would be used for the final Test, with two pitches being prepared in Ahmedabad. Smith was told there was a 60% chance of playing on one pitch and a 40% chance of playing on another surface. India coach Rahul Dravid inspected one pitch on Tuesday afternoon and claimed he was unaware of the reason behind a second pitch being protected by a rain sheet. Smith preferred playing on challenging pitches, while Dravid suggested the push to avoid draws to maximize World Test Championship points may be one of the reasons behind bowler-friendly surfaces being prepared. Australia expects the surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium to offer lower bounce, similar to conditions they have encountered in Delhi and Indore. The visitors are yet to announce their XI for the final Test.

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