Sticking to the bowling combination of four spinners in the semi-final against Australia, the Indian bowlers faced their biggest challenge in the Champions Trophy. At the Dubai Stadium, where no other team had managed to cross the 250-run mark in the three league games, the Aussie batsmen showed a refreshing approach and put up a healthy 264 in 49.3 overs. No doubt, it was a fresh pitch, yet it was a fine batting effort by the Australians against the varied bowling attack. 

In fact, the Australians faced the four-pronged spin attack with confidence on a pitch that was better than the three previous games. Their positive intent against the spinners forced Rohit Sharma to fall back on pacer Mohammed Shami time and again, and the pace bowler did not disappoint.