Scoring 241 against an Indian Board XI doesn’t sound like a good way to start a tour but Australia do have a few excuses up their sleeve.

Four of their top six batsmen likely to play in the first Test in Chennai from February 22 were missing from the team.

David Warner, Phil Hughes, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke can be expected to add starch to the lineup.

Having a tail starting at No.7 didn’t help on Tuesday.

Still, there can be little doubt dusty tracks are on the horizon and even an uncapped offspinner like 23-year-old Parvez Rassol, who claimed 7-45, can make the tourists look awkward against the turning ball.

Skipper Clarke averaged 8.75 in his previous Test tour of India in 2010.

However since then, the nimble-footed 31-year-old has averaged 61.00 in 25 matches including eight hundreds.

It’s fair to say he’s a better player than in 2010.

Hughes, Wade and openers Cowan and Warner haven’t played a Test in India, but Wade showed plenty of fight with his innings of 35 at No.3.

The Australians have been encouraged by their coaching staff to find an attacking shot that works against the spinners and stick with it. Of course, that can often mean the sweep, but not necessarily.

Test No.6 candidate Usman Khawaja (32) was caught sweeping at deep mid-wicket, while Wade holed out to long-off.

Cowan says with the top four of himself, Khawaja, Wade and Steve Smith (41) all facing at least 73 balls each, it was time well spent in the middle.

“At least they are trying to put pressure on the bowlers,” said Cowan who top-scored with 58 and appeared unlucky to be adjudged caught behind.

“If you were just propped on the crease defending, you were playing into the spinners’ hands.

“Those guys would probably re-evaluate. Their shots were on but their execution probably wasn’t as pure as they would have liked.”

Australia’s three-day game against India A starts on Saturday with the fitness of Clarke (hamstring) and Warner (thumb) to be assessed.