Australian cricket coach and selector Mickey Arthur on Thursday defended the decision to drop young allrounder Glenn Maxwell, saying it was because the team wanted specialist bowlers.
Australia’s third Test against India in Mohali was delayed because of morning rain which washed out the first session of play.
The tourists desperately need a result in this Test after losing the first two games in the four-match series.
A two-two result would allow Australia to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Michael Clarke’s men made four changes to their lineup following this week’s shock suspension of four players for failing to complete homework assignments.
Injured wicketkeeper Matthew Wade (ankle) has been replaced by Brad Haddin who arrived earlier this week as a standby player.
Vice-captain Shane Watson and pace bowler James Pattinson had already been omitted for disciplinary reasons over the homeworkgate affair, while squad members Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Johnson were also declared unavailable for the third Test.
Offspinning allrounder Maxwell was dropped after making 21 runs and taking 4-127 on debut in the second Test in Hyderabad.
Apart from 43-Test veteran Haddin’s inclusion, young batsman Steve Smith was recalled along with pace bowler Mitchell Starc and offspinner Nathan Lyon.
The in-form Clarke elevated himself from No.5 to No.3 in the batting order.
Australia’s bowling attack will feature only two frontline quicks – Peter Siddle and Starc – plus seam-bowling allrounder Moises Henriques and spinners Lyon and Xavier Doherty.
“We went with what we perceive to be our two specialist spinners. Nathan Lyon and Xavier Doherty were both brought here as specialist spinners,” Arthur said.
“Maxy was brought here as the allrounder-type guy.
“In a way, he competes with Moises for that position.
“We’ve decided that we’re going with our specialist attack.”
Australia team: Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Phil Hughes, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, Moises Henriques, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Xavier Doherty.
