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Aussies must move on and focus on third Test

Shane Watson - if his days aren't already numbered, they should be. (AFP PHOTO/William WEST)
Roar Rookie
13th March, 2013
12

This week will be remembered as one of the most controversial and forgettable in Australian Cricket history.

But with all the off-field drama that has happened, the third Test starts on Thursday and Australia must win to avoid a series defeat.

The players who are available for selection, Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur must put all this horror behind and prepare for the Test match.

Without Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson, another huge chunk of experience is lost but with the return of Brad Haddin there are some caps made up.

Haddin looks certain to play whether Wade is fit or not as he could play as the full-time keeper or as just a batsman.

With Pattinson out, it makes way for Starc to come back into the team alongside Peter Siddle and Henriques as the three pace bowlers.

Nathan Lyon looks certain to come back in as the frontline spinner and could partner up with Doherty, Maxwell or Smith.

Phil Hughes will be given another chance, while the question remains over where Michael Clarke will bat in the top order.

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It is uncertain whether a vice-captain will be named, as over the last 12 months when Watson hasn’t played in matches there hasn’t been a replacement named. Candidates could come in the form of David Warner or Brad Haddin.

Watson and Johnson are two massive loses for Australia as both player played a significant role in the last Test Australia played in Mohali.

But having Haddin there, who has been around the Australian team for over 10 years now, makes up for it.

Having Starc replace Pattinson isn’t a bad thing as both players are equally talented and have the same wicket-taking potential.

The one thing that Australia may miss is having a third frontline fast bowler, as the Mohali pitch is set to provide for bounce and assistance to the fast bowlers.

India will be licking their lips and are ready to celebrate a series win considering Watson and Johnson aren’t there.

But Michael Clarke and Australia will be more determined than ever to get Australia back on winning terms.

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