Left without options, Aussies rely on specialised bowlers for third test

Desperate to keep the four-match series alive after two massive losses, Australia today packed their playing XI with all available specialist bowlers for the third Test against India at Mohali.

Even though the first day of the match was washed out due to a heavy downpour, Australia had named their line-up.

The axe fell on all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who had made his debut in the second test in Hyderabad, where Australia lost by an innings and 135-runs. Australia were beaten by eight wickets in the first test in Chennai.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who was dropped for the Hyderabad Test, returned to form the spin combine with slow left-arm bowler Xavier Doherty.

On a track that is likely to assist the slow bowlers, Lyon and Doherty will be supported by Steven Smith, who had started out as a specialist bowler before making his mark with the bat. The 23-year-old from New South Wales, in fact, is slated to bat as high as number five, with skipper Michael Clarke promoting himself to the crucial number three position.

Phil Hughes benifitted from Australia's lack of options - in the aftermath of the unprecedented sacking of four key players - as he managed to retain his place despite failing to score a single run against spinners on the tour so far.

Due to the expulsion of four players, including vice-captain Shane Watson, for disciplinary violations and an injury to Matthew Wade, Australia had only 12 men available for the Test, and Maxwell was confirmed as the one who would miss out.

Maxwell was competing with Moises Henriques but the latter, who had made an impressive debut in the series opener, was preferred over the big-hitting all-rounder.

ALSO READ

IPL 2013: Suresh Raina, Michael Hussey script Chennai Super Kings' win

T20 format has given cricket a new lease of life: Sir Viv Richards

Punjab Police fail to nail Vijender Singh in heroin haul case

IPL 2013 preview: Sunrisers eye top 4 spot, CSK look to inch closer to play-offs