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Australia’s skipper Michael Clarke and opener David Warner will continue their build-up to Friday’s first Test against India as the tourists train at the Chennai nets on Tuesday.
Clarke (hamstring) and Warner (thumb) were rested from Australia’s three-day tour match against India A which ended in a draw on Monday at Chennai’s Guru Nanak College Ground.
Australia found some form with the bat to reach 3-195 in their second innings on Monday, but only after being bowled out for 235 in their first dig to trail by 216 and face the embarrassment of being sent back in.
Shane Watson top-scored for Australia in both innings with 84 and 60 from his favoured opening position but the Test vice-captain says he’s expecting to return to No.4 if Warner is passed fit to play this weekend.
Watson and Ed Cowan (53) added 104 for the first wicket on Monday — their second century partnership of the match.
Phil Hughes (19) was bowled by left-arm skipper Rakesh Dhurv in the final over before tea.
Usman Khawaja finished on 30 not out with Matthew Wade on 19 after Wade made 44 in the first innings.
Dhurv (5-51) and offspinner Jalaj Saxena (4-61) exposed potential weaknesses in Australia’s batting lineup against spin and Chennai’s Chidambaram Stadium is strongly tipped to favour the slow bowlers.
“Davey has been hitting (balls in the nets) in the last couple of days so I think he’ll be alright,” Khawaja said.
Khawaja, who may find it tough to squeeze himself back into the Test side this week, praised India A’s spinners.
“They used the condiitions brilliantly and they put a lot of pressure on us,” Khawaja said.
“The players took a lot out of that.
“That’s why in the second innings you saw us bat so well. Watto and Eddie really set it up and we batted pretty well.
“It’s just nice to be out in the middle and getting some game time.”
Khawaja says pace bowling remains a key weapon for Australia.
“Pete Siddle bowled lovely in this game (1-40 off 18),” Khawaja added.
“He really hit the deck hard and got in their faces and did what he does best.
“Pace can be as effective as spin out here.”
Spinner Ashton Agar, 19, will return home on Tuesday to resume with Western Australia.
Nathan Lyon (2-113) and Xavier Doherty (3-108) remain in contention for one or possibly two spin-bowling spots in Austraila’s side for the first Test.
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