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Australia have named their side for the Boxing Day Test against India, with young pace bowler Mitchell Starc and uncapped allrounder Dan Christian left out of the side.
Skipper and selector Michael Clarke says he’s confident he has the right lineup to get 20 wickets at the MCG despite having only four frontline bowlers at his disposal.
Tasmania swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus has been recalled at the expense of NSW left-armer Starc, who took only four wickets in the recent two-Test series against New Zealand.
Shaun Marsh returns to bat at No.3 after overcoming a back injury which kept him out of the New Zealand series.
Clarke admitted it was a gamble to leave out Christian on a flat MCG pitch, especially with fellow allrounder Shane Watson declared unfit as he recovers from hamstring and calf strains.
“I’m confident we’ve got the best 11 to help us win this first Test match,” Clarke said on Saturday.
“I can use Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting and myself to bowl a few overs. David Warner can bowl a few legspinners.”
The 17-Test veteran Hilfenhaus returns from an 11-month break out of the side with a remodelled bowling action, having recovered from knee tendinitis.
“He’s a very good new-ball bowler. He can bowl long spells and he’s had success against India,” Clarke said.
Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, Ed Cowan, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, David Warner, Mitchell Starc (12th man).
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