After suffering an innings defeat in the 2nd Test match, Australia will now face India again in the 3rd match of the series. The match is staged in Mohali.
Before this match, four Australian cricketers have been dramatically axed for one match. The captain Michael Clarke and coach, Mickey Arthur confirmed that Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja and James Pattinson will not be considered for selection at Mohali.
The reason being given is they failed to complete a task given by their coach, after suffering a huge defeat in the 2nd test. Shane Watson being extremely unhappy with the decision, remarking that the punishment was way too hard, has returned back to Australia.
The remaining three players are still training with the squad and will be considered in the 4th test.
So, Australia have a total of 12 players in the squad, that are available for selection. Brad Haddin has been sworn in from Australia, to provide cover for the struggling Matthew Wade.
Hence, Australia are likely to go with two fast bowlers, Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc, while Nathan Lyon and Xavier Doherty are expected to take spin bowling role.
On the other hand, India have no such issues as the Kangaroos, and they are unlikely to bring drastic changes to the playing XI.
Importantly, Virender Sehwag, who has been struggling to find his form, has been removed from the squad, for the next two tests.
Rumors are there, that because it would have been controversial to bench a senior player, if he had been part of the squad, so, selectors felt that it would be better to leave him out of the squad.
So, India are likely to field the same XI, that featured in the 2nd test, with a youngster getting chance in place of Sehwag.
The Mohali pitch is expected to be lively, and finally, fast bowlers will have their say in the series dominated by spin bowlers.