Going with their strength, Australia announced a three-pronged pace attack, along with a medium-pace option in debutant Moises Henriques, for the first Test.
This means that the side will field only one specialist spinner in Nathan Lyon. Peter Siddle will lead the attack, backed by James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc.
Speculation was rife over the Australians opting for either two specialist spinners or a spinning all-rounder-specialist spinner combination. But the team decided to bank on its strength by handing out the Baggy Green to the 26-year-old Henriques. The New South Wales player made a strong case for selection after a decent showing in the practice match against the Board President's XI in which he picked up four wickets. "I have a big role to play with the bat and ball. I see it as a genuine all-rounder's role. With Siddle, Pattinson and Starc, we have got three very fiery quicks. We have to play to that strength," said an elated Henriques.
With a bowling style similar to Shane Watson, Henriques will be hoping to make use of the chance since Watson's services are restricted to the bat in the series.
“I try and challenge the batsmen with my length and hopefully get some movement with some reverse swing. That's something Shane does very well. His length is impeccable and is very good with the old ball as well,” he said. The team could also use the services of Clarke and David Warner to back Lyon's off-breaks.
{{/usCountry}}“I try and challenge the batsmen with my length and hopefully get some movement with some reverse swing. That's something Shane does very well. His length is impeccable and is very good with the old ball as well,” he said. The team could also use the services of Clarke and David Warner to back Lyon's off-breaks.
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