Australia test squad for India series, Dec 2011 and Jan 2012.

You know a test team is doing well when selectors get paid for free, naming same core of players series after series. There were very few changes in Windies of seventies, Aussies of nineties and now Indians in recent times (in batting department specifically). Even England in last few years have persisted with same set of players and stretched themselves to numero uno in ICC rankings..

Same can't be said about Australia who introduced 3 debutants during Ashes 2011, 3 more on Sri Lankan tour, Pat Cummins in South Africa and then 3 more in just two tests at home against New Zealand. Now, for Border Gavaskar trophy, two more rookies are ready and numbers may increase as four test series unfolds.

In short, in so called rebuilding phase, can Aussies retain their proud record of never losing a test series to Indians at home? that's a million dollar question but here is the squad selected for the field :-

Michael Clarke passed a stern test as captain in South Africa, equalling series coming from behind but defeat at Hobart againt Kiwis, after 26 years, raised question on his leadership. Against India lead by MS Dhoni who's renouned as one of the best captain in world currently, Clarke will have tough task inspiring his team as well as scoring runs.

Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey are two experienced batsmen who've come under scrutiny almost for no reason. Aussie cricket needs them to groom youngs run scorers around and they'll play crucial part in this series in middle order.

Aussie top order has gone through several renovations in recent times. Shane Watson and Philip Hughes with Shaun Marsh at no.3 seemed settled on Sri Lankan tour but Watson got injured and Hughes' runs dried up. Marsh continues to battle back problems. Thankfully, David Warner has evolved, is in-form, and will contribute in field immensly.

Ed Cowan is a left handed opening batsman who's earned his place with plenty of runs this domestic season and a century in practice game against visitors. Can this tasmanian solve the top order puzzle?

Dan Christian is a T20 specialist who's got his test chance through consistant performances. In hunt of a allrounder who can work as 5th bowler and make some runs down the order, Christian will have his opportunities in this series.

Brad Haddin has sword hanging over his head but a good innings each against Proteas and Kiwis now has suddently earned gloveman the vice-captainship!

James Pattinson impressed with his pace and accuracy against New Zealand, sharing new ball with trier Peter Siddle. Ben Hilfenhaus has been brought back to put some experience in department with Mitchell Starc providing left arm angle. Nathan Lyon has bowled with flight and gile so far in 3 series he's been part of so far but against Indians he'll be targetted.

Australia test squad for India series 2011-2012

Michael Clarke (captain), Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Shaun Marsh, David Warner, Ed Cowan, Brad Haddin (wk, vc), Dan Christian, Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Source: http://itsonlycricket.com/entry/3008/

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