First test match preview

Australia announced its eleven which will take the field on 22nd at Chennai's MA Chidambram Stadium. India, generally, announces the final eleven at the time of toss.
Here's a preview of how both sides could match up.

Australia David Warner Ed Cowan Phillip Hughes Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (capt) Matthew Wade (wk) Moises Henriques Peter Siddle Mitchell Starc James Pattinson Nathan Lyon.

India (likely) V Sehwag M Vijay C Pujara S Tendulkar V Kohli MS Dhoni (c &wk) R Jadeja R Ashwin B Kumar I Sharma P Ojha Likely to sit out: Dhawan, Dinda, Harbhajan, Rahane

With four pacers in Siddle, Starc, Pattinson and Henriques, Watson's services won't be missed much. Lyon fits in as only specialist spinner. It would be interesting to see if a spinner friendly track can make this strategy backfire.

India, on the other hand, might pick Vijay over Dhawan, given the fact he was in the England squad . Jadeja is likely to retain his no.7 position, that makes the batting look more susceptible. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar will likely make a debut, making Dinda warm the bench. Harbhajan might not fit in the squad as third spinner


I would like to make the batting stronger against such a good Aussie pace attack by playing Rahane, and backing the four bowlers. Jadeja and Dhoni aren't the best suited test batters at no.6 and no.7. That means, 2 or 3 early wickets will open the floodgates for Australia. India have a good wagging tail with Ashwin and Bhuvaneshwar though. Australia might miss Johnson at No.8.

I would have played Johnson in place of Henriques and Played an extra spinner in place of Pattinson. The Aussie batting still has the grit to score big runs. The Hussey-Ponting retirements, I feel, won't affect the batting order that much.

The Ojha-Ashwin pair have a huge job in hand, as much can't be expected from mercurial Ishant and newbie Bhuvaneshwar. If Indian spinners don't find the touch, India might struggle to take crucial wickets. TO add to it, Yuvraj's left arm spin services will be surely missed.

All in all, Australia seem t have the advantage with fiery pace attack and good in-form batting order. The form and pitch might decide the turn of the series. India will have to raise its game to beat Aussies in the first Test.  Sachin Tendulkar, meanwhile, will be the centre of attention after his recent ODI retirement.