Taking cue from the Gabba curator reminder to everyone about the deadly performance of Johnson against England when they played the last test at Brisbane, the 45th Test captain of Australia, 25 year old Steven Smith had made three changes to his squad. Brought in fast and bouncy Michell Starc to replace Siddle, and rested injured Harries by bringing Josh Hazlewood. With Phil’s homage paid duly in Adelaide test, Australia is ready to throw pacy trio to hound the Indians. Will the Indian captain Dhoni, back from injury, remain feeble as always in Away test or be ready with some fresh ideas!!
2014-2015 Indian Tour of Australia: Schedule
Adelaide Test
India’s best finish at Gabba is a draw in 2003. Before that India has lost four test matches in 1947, 1968, 1977 and 1991.
Steven Smith is just 25 year old by birth and 23 Test old in international Cricket. He is the youngest captain of Australia since Kim Hughes in 1979. Yet, his approach is no different from other attacking Australian captain. To start with leading from front he has pushed himself to No. 4 in batting position.
Besides his combination of three pacers and Lyon, the player of the Match at Adelaide, he is ready to bundle the Indians within 5 days at Gabba. Besides the main four bowlers, Mitch Marsh and Shane Watson can also be useful on fast pitch.
Even in batting, he has brought in Shaun Marsh, making him and Mitch the first brothers to play for Australia together since 2002 when Waugh brothers played. Shaun is used to Indian bowlers and always a bigger threat to Indians than any other team.
Australian XI:
Batsmen: Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Shaun Marsh Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin
Bowlers: Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
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