Dropped from Tests, what is way ahead for Gautam Gambhir

For India A skipper Gautam Gambhir, the three-day game represents an opportunity to remind the selectors of what he is capable of after being dropped from the squad for the first two Tests. Australia captain Michael Clarke said he was surprised at the left-hander's omission.

"I expected him (Gambhir) to be in the Test team. He is a wonderful player and has played for India for a long time now. I think there are a few bowlers in our team who are happy he is not playing," he said. "He is a wonderful guy and I really like him and I get along really well with him. If he scores runs, I'm sure he will get his chance with the Indian team again."

India A coach Lalchand Rajput said it was a question of 'one good knock' for Gambhir, and added that the opener was looking to play closer to his body.

"He was playing one-day games the past few days, so he had to change his game a wee bit. In the longer version, he knows he has been getting out in those areas and is definitely looking forward to curb those shots. In the longer version, he must play close to the body," Rajput said.

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