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Australia have named an unchanged squad for the fourth cricket Test, as they chase a series whitewash over India in Adelaide starting January 24.
Australia are in high spirits, having defeated India by an innings and 37 runs, and are chasing an unprecedented 4-0 thrashing of the world No.2 team on home soil.
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc hasn’t given up hope of retaining his spot in Australia’s starting XI for the fourth Test against India in Adelaide despite the likely return of off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
The 21-year-old left-arm quick performed well in Australia’s crushing third Test victory at the WACA Ground last week, taking four wickets in the match as part of a four-man pace attack.
Chairman of selectors John Inverarity on Tuesday named an unchanged squad of 12 for the Adelaide Test, all but confirming Lyon would be a starter at his home ground in the process.
“A spin bowler has always been a priority in Test matches at Adelaide Oval and it is very likely that Nathan Lyon will replace one of the other bowlers in the final XI for the fourth Test,” Inverarity said.
That would mean Starc will have to hope speculation is true that Peter Siddle, who has played in Australia’s past eight Tests, will be rested for the dead-rubber fourth match against the Indians.
“We’ll go down to Adelaide and have a look at the pitch down there and, if all goes well, we’ll have a spot in the 11,” Starc told reporters in Sydney ahead of Wednesday’s Big Bash League game at the SCG where he and fellow Test player Brad Haddin will line up for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers.
“Any game you get to play for Australia is a pretty special moment. I’m just enjoying any chance I get and hopefully I can play a few back-to-back.
“At the moment though, I’m really just looking forward to Wednesday night.”
The brutal display by Australia’s quicks in Perth, where they wrapped up the win inside three days, may well work against Starc though with Inverarity suggesting the need to rest Siddle may not be as urgent as thought.
“The extra two rest days because the Test finished early has meant that there is reduced concern about excessive workloads for the fast bowlers,” Inverarity said.
Starc also backed under-fire wicketkeeper Haddin to use Wednesday night’s Big Bash game to find form ahead of the Adelaide Test.
“As we saw in the first game he played for the Sixers, he was right on the money there, hit 70 for us and pretty much won the game for us,” Starc said.
“Brad will be looking to come in and hopefully make his mark on the game on Wednesday night.”
Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin (vice capt), Ed Cowan, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, David Warner (12th man to be named).
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