Australia v India: New-look Australia expected for second Test

With Clarke already out, the bowling pack may also be reshuffled.

ADELAIDE: Australia, already without injured skipper Michael Clarke, may also freshen up their pace attack with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for this week’s second Test in Brisbane, said coach Darren Lehmann yesterday.

Clarke is out for the rest of the India Test series with a torn right hamstring suffered while fielding in Australia’s 48-run win over India on Saturday, amid fears his Test career could be over after a spate of injuries.



Shaun Marsh has been named to take Clarke’s place for Wednesday’s Test at the Gabba, with vice-captain and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin expected to become Australia’s 45th Test skipper.

But with just three days between Tests, selectors must consider the pace attack for Brisbane. “We will see how they pull up,” said Lehmann. “We will pick the best team to get 20 wickets. A couple of them are sore but the next day or two will tell. It’s a quick turnaround.”

Lehmann was also quick to allay fears that Clarke may never play again. “I think he will be back. You have your fingers crossed, we will wait and see,” he said.

Lehmann and fellow selectors must weigh up not only Clarke’s current state of health, but the risk that his chronic back and hamstring woes could flare up unexpectedly as they did on Saturday in Adelaide. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th,  2014.

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