Second Spinner, Middle-Order Batters, Who Will Australia go With for the Biggest Subcontinent Test

Australia are almost done with their home summer. They swept their way through and are on the verge of completing the sweep with as South Africa are on the brink. With regards to the World Test Championship, Australia are comfortably placed even before they head to India. The upcoming four Test series though will continue to play on Australia’s minds as they head to India, one of the toughest places for touring nations.

To help with their selections, Australia did go for some fringe players in the Sydney Test. Additionally, the Sydney Test is a little drier, as there was considerable turn on the first day. The selection choices in the first Tests can serve as an indicator as to how Australia are looking to go. They went with Matt Renshaw in the middle-order. He is a versatile batter and was exceptional on Australia’s last visit to India.

Ashton Agar is another who seems locked in. He did not have the best of seasons, but his left-arm spin can potentially be the required foil to Nathan Lyon’s off-spin. Last time around Australia had Steve O Keefe, who patiently plugged the ball in the right areas, choking Indian batters with tight bowling as he came out as a surprise package. Australia are likely to hope for something similar from Ashton Agar. Along with his bowling, Agar is a handy batter, which could help as Australia look for ways to match the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

Australia added Peter Handscomb for the Sydney Test as well. He did not make the eleven, but his presence in the squad indicates he is in the scheme for the India tour. Given his performance last time and his technique against spin, Handscomb may feel he is in with a handsome chance of making the squad for the tour.

With injury concerns to Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green, Australia are likely to carry a few extra reserves. For spin, Swepson, who has been with the squad for a while is likely to continue travelling with the team. Todd Murphy and Adam Zampa are in the loop, but may find themselves unlucky.

The pace attack is likely to be an easier one to pick. With Australia possibly playing only two frontline pacers, they will have a debate to see who partners Pat Cummins. Mitchell Starc’s pace and ability to extract reverse swing makes him a huge weapon. Josh Hazlewood though is just as skilled with his accuracy and ability to hit uncomfortable lengths. He also has some really good numbers in India, which often goes unnoticed.

Along with them, Scott Boland and Lance Morris are likely to remain with the squad. Their main concern though will be with Cameron Green. Green’s versatality automatically makes worth two players. He can hold his own with both bat and ball and Australia do not have a perfect like for like replacement.

With the gloves, Alex Carey is likely to keep his spot, Josh Inglis though could come in as back-up. With the Test series starting in a month, Australia seems like they are already looking forward to it. They had a spinning track in Sydney, and know the challenges that could occur in India. They last visited India for a Test series six years ago, and were very competitive as they lost 2-1. The core group still remains and Australia will definitely want to show that they are capable of going few steps ahead in what promises to be a thrilling series.