India Australia 2nd Test Preview

Australia needs few thinking to do and perhaps use some of its bench after 1^st Test. Australia must fancy their chances at Mohali to win the test match. Bounce at Mohali is going to be good for not only Pace Bowlers of Australia but also their batsman, who like ball to come on to their bat at decent height. However before Mohali comes Hyderabad. 

Although Australia would love to go to Mohali with series level at 1-1, but winning a test match at Deccan is going to be impossible dream. However, Australia must look to bat better and hope for at least a draw, so series remains still alive when they reach Mohali. 

Australia must make few changes in order to survive or do better at Hyderabad. Even if they do not change playing XI, surely, they must consider having Michael Clarke bat at number 4 and Moises Henriques to bat at number 5. Both of these batsmen looked in supreme form and have the technique to survive against Spin Bowling and score big runs.  

Out of top 3 left handed batsman, Only Cowan looked in control. It would be difficult to drop Warner after he scored a half century in first inning. P.Hughes after failing and looking totally lost must make a way to someone else. Ideally, Khwaja looks technically sound to replace Hughes and can bat at number 6, but considering Smith can bowl little leg spin and his experience of playing in IPL and knowing conditions better, might not be a bad option.

Starc looked little lost and may be Mitchell Johnson might be better choice, considering he can bat as well, down the order. If the pitch is offering a turn like Chennai, then Australia might consider having Doherty in the side as well. 

Preferred Australian Eleven: Cohan, Warner, Watson, Clarke, Khwaja, Henriques, Wade, Doherty, Siddle, Pattinson, Lyon. 

Australia lost the test match by just one session. If Australia could have played in either of their inning for one more session, Test Match might have gone draw. So, after making one replacement to out of form Hughes, may allow the new batsman to play for minimum of 2 hours in 2 innings and that could help them at least draw the game if not win it. Australia must aim to score 800 runs in a Test Match combining both the innings, ideally, 450+ in First Inning. 

India on the other hand, depending upon pitch may consider getting Ojha back in the squad. If the Pitch offered is same as Chennai then B.Kumar will be of very minimum use and hence Ojha might be better choice. Considering R.Jadeja got few wickets in the game, he is probably going to be still preferred over A.Rahane. As far as Opening the batting is concerned, M.Vijay’s spot at the top of the order must be under Radar. 

Preferred Indian Eleven: V.Sehwag, A.Rahane, C.Pujara, S.Tendulkar, V.Kohli, M S Dhoni, R.Jadeja, R.Ashwin, H.Singh, P.Ojha, I.Sharma.