The Pune pitch was later rated as "poor" by International Cricket Council's match referee, Chris Broad, in his match report. But the first test loss at home since 2012 has raised questions over the Indian batsmen's ability to handle a wicket where the ball is turning square. The Australians, more accustomed to pace and bounce, tallied more than 500 runs in their two innings and won inside three days. Australia had a remarkable turnaround of form under Smith since an overhaul of the team following a series loss to South Africa at home late last year. Pace spearhead Mitch Starc is expecting to do a lot more work in the second test, although he still doesn't see the conditions favoring the seam bowlers.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 02, 2017 06:22 UTC