Michael Clarke will miss the fourth Test in Delhi with a back injury as Australia look to avoid a clean sweep under the captaincy of Shane Watson. Follow the action live on Roar Radio from 2.30pm AEDT.
The Australian skipper did not pass a late fitness Test after straining his back in the previous Test in Mohali.
Clarke will return home to Sydney for scans, and to work on a set plan of action to return to match fitness.
This will be a setback for the Australian team, as India stand poised to take their first ever clean sweep of a series against Australia, and their first ever result of four wins in a Test series.
His omission will mean that Watson, who was controversially dropped by Mickey Arthur after failing to adhere to team instructions before the third Test, will now become the 44th Test captain of the Australian cricket team. Matthew Wade will be vice-captain for the side.
Watson said it was an honour to be appointed to the role:
“It’s really a dream come true to be asked to captain your country. I’ve captained some one-day internationals, but to be asked to captain a Test will be the ultimate honour.
“It’s obviously very disappointing that Michael hasn’t come up, his batting and leadership will certainly be sorely missed, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and responsibility over the next five days.”
Of the other three players involved in ‘homework-gate’, Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson take their place in the starting XI for Mitchell Starc and Moises Henriques. Usman Khawaja has not been selected.
In other team news, Nathan Lyon comes in to replace Xavier Doherty while Matthew Wade has been deemed fit to return and will replace Brad Haddin as wicketkeeper.
You can follow all the action over the next five days with our live audio commentary on Roar Radio. Roar experts including Geoff Lemon, Glenn Mitchell, Cameron Rose, Ben Pobjie and Tim Renowden will bring you ball-by-ball coverage, joined by special guests including Tom Cowie, Upulie Divisekera, and John Harms.
Listen in by clicking the player below, or by heading to the Roar Radio page.
You can also get involved with the call by leaving comments for the callers below, or tweeting them at @RoarLive.
congo
Guest
The is the worst Australian team i have seen in my life time. The english will destroy us in England..
congo
Guest
How the hell does a player like Maxwell get a game at test level. It is a total embarrassment .
bozo
Guest
What odds would you have put on 8/231 as the score at the end of day one? Pretty ordinary in my view but what are the betting odds? Suspect that is the most important question with cricket these days.
Mango Jack
Guest
Until now I've resisted all the talk about selectors having no idea, conspiracy theories, etc, but I give in. Why on earth was Khawaja not selected for this test? And what the hell is Maxwell still doing there? Seriously, the Big Show is turning out to be just another episode of Australia's Naughtiest Home Videos. Axe him. Now.
Mango Jack
Guest
Cowan?
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Thanks Harry, we'll be looking at responses like this as we go. Any and all thoughts welcome.
Harry of Floreat
Guest
I agree with Parisien, it's not a comedy show fellas, a wisecrack is OK every now and again, but every ball?
twodogs
Guest
just checked out the scoreboard. pretty dismal. hey guys, you have extra pace attack now and absolutely everthing to gain. so, bowl like the wind.
Geoff Lemon
Expert
Fair cop! Thanks for the feedback, obviously it's early days in terms of working out our approach with our broadcast, but it's very useful to hear from the listener's side.
Ken Hambling
Guest
Smart kid, must be intimidating for Arthur and co to have someone with a bit of intelligence around
Ken Hambling
Guest
He is our batsman, he is not going anywhere
Ken Hambling
Guest
Don't get me started, UTK should take selectors to court, seriously
Parisien
Guest
Having live cricket coverage on Roar Radio is a wonderful initiative. However, all the ironic and sarcastic comments rapidly become very boring. Also commentators aren't generally supposed to laugh all the time at their own jokes, especially when they come at the rate of one every thirty seconds. I understand the commentary team is a little young and inexperienced but is it too much to ask for some serious commentary? You are not in your living room, but ours! People are listening to you...
Ajax
Guest
Beam me up Micky!!!!! I need a new perspective on your selections, maybe if Im on your planet Ill find it..!!!
Vivek
Guest
I agree, keep it simple and have 6 batsman, that's our weakness and we need to address it
Vivek
Guest
Khawaja is the pilot for the Aus team, that's all i can think off
Vivek
Guest
Lets hope we don't lose him overseas, he is the product of our system and proud of his baggy green.
Vivek
Guest
That's the most frustrating aspect in all this, if players better then Khawaja were taking a spot then you can accept it but the guys being picked are not as good as the left hander and that's frustrating
Ajax
Guest
Yep, beyond belief. I thought he (Watson) was "considering his opitons" which to me is code for "Im off to the IPL"... Flies in, flies out like a WA miner, chooses when and where he plays... WTF??????? Still no Khawaja........??? Clark is flying home instead of supporting the boys, final test of the series?????? Someone is on the pipe!!!!!!!!!!
curly
Guest
Khawaja should come play for pakistan they are better than australia anyway