Ian Chappell expects pacers to play major role in India

Going into the 4 match Test series against India, the Steve Smith led Australian side will be a worried unit as they are aware of the challenges they might face in their upcoming tour. The Aussies were whitewashed 4-0 by the Men in Blue in the Test series in 2013 when they toured the last time around. They will be confident after inflicting a 3-0 series whitewash on Pakistan but they will be aware that the conditions in India are totally different and they have to play out of their skin to push the results in their favour.

Writing for the Mid-day former Aussie captain and a popular face in the commentary panel Ian Chappell said, “The first thing that strikes you about the Australian touring squad is the options that are available to the selectors once they decode the Indian conditions.

“There are four slow bowlers with Nathan Lyon being the senior spinner. Two all-rounders have been included but only one spare batsman, Shaun Marsh, who is versatile enough to bat anywhere in the order. The option of which all-rounder to choose — the seamer or the spinner — could prove the most difficult leading into the first Test.”

Ian Chappell also opined that Nathan Lyon might have to sit out if Steve Smith opts for a left arm spinner. Glenn Maxwell who is an important member of the squad might play the role of the 2nd spinner. His ability to change the complexion of any match within a blink of an eye will keep him in good stead ahead of the much intriguing Test series.

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“Maxwell is an intriguing player and it’s easy to see why selectors keep hoping he can turn potential into profitable returns.Despite his potential to destroy opposing attacks, he’ll be a difficult fit for an Australian team whose primary slow bowler is also an off-spinner. It almost means having to leave Lyon out of the side and partner Maxwell with one of the left-arm spinners to attain the right combination. Then there’s the added risk of Maxwell scoring a spell-binding thirty with shots flying in all directions, only to squander yet another promising innings by hitting one straight up in the air,” Chappell wrote.

Commenting on the pacers Chappell said, “Nevertheless, it’s going to depend on a couple of factors. Firstly, the two injury prone speedsters would need to successfully negotiate some Sheffield Shield cricket. Then it would need Australia to be in a promising position after the opening two contests.

“There’s no point in adding either Cummins or Pattinson if Australia is already two Tests down. If Cummins or Pattinson were added to the squad, it would conjure up memories of when the West Indies (in the 80’s) and then South Africa (late 90’s) won in India, by relying predominantly on pace. Pace bowling success is probably Australia’s best chance of victory in India but they’ll also have to bat a whole lot better than they have in the recent past,” Chappell concluded.