Australia have won three out of the four test matches in the Border Gavaskar series, that too, without much effort, if I may say so. Now, they've nothing at stake and considering this, the selectors could have done something to make the fourth test interesting.

 

It is very difficult to fight complacency, especially when you're 3-0 up in a series and there is a chance that the Australian squad that has been named for this test might not take it all that seriously. However, if the selectors had considered giving a chance to eleven uncapped players, that is, the entire team comprising players who have never played test cricket. This would have got in eleven highly committed individuals who are looking to prove a point and at the same time, give India some chance to take a consolation victory.

 

I thought the following players could have formed such a team.

 

Aaron Finch

 

His success in the shorter format of the game doesn't mean that he can't be a good first class player. He has good first class records and plays great shots. This would not have been his first international experience, in any case, as he has already featured in a T20I and also performed well. Such an explosive batsman at the forefront could easily unsettle the Indian bowlers and help the team to put up a big score.

 

Michael Klinger ( C )

 

In such a team, someone with experience could be of great value. He has been playing first class cricket for a very long time and has been maintaining a pretty good average. Time has come for him to step up to the international level and he also carries with him the experience in captaincy. He could use this experience to lead his team of debutants.

 

Mitchell Marsh

 

It is not surprising if playing good cricket is this man's innate ability. His father had represented Australia at an international level and his brother too has represented the team in all formats of the game and has been quite successful. But that shall not bring in any question of nepotism as this fellow has credentials of his own. He is a great batsman and like Finch, he has also proved himself in the international chance given to him in the T20I against South Africa. He could also be used as a part time bowler in the side.

 

Callum Ferguson

 

I've always wondered why he has not been given his first test cap yet. He is an aggressive and at the same time, an elegant batsman. He maintains an average of over forty in one day international cricket and has scored seven hundreds in first class cricket. It is only a matter of time before he gets his test debut.

 

Nic Maddinson

 

It is always an asset to have an under 21 player capped. Nic Maddinson has great potential. He has performed well in the Big Bash League but unfortunately, since it is a commercial event, that is the first thing that strikes our mind. He has also performed well in first class matches and his records are an evidence for what I'm saying.
 

Travis Birt

 

He is in great form. Would be a perfect replacement for Mike Hussey. Nothing more needs to be said.

 

Moises Henriques

 

Another great player, both with the bat and the ball. He had come very close to getting his first cap in 2008, but missed out, however, I feel he should soon be getting more chances at an international level. Besides, it would be interesting to see him become the second person with Non-British European descent play test cricket.

 

John Hastings

 

A good all rounder with good pace. He can use it well to startle the Indian batsmen and give breakthroughs to the side continually. His batting abilities could also help the team add valuable runs towards the end. Besides, his experience at an international level can help him guide the youngsters of the side.

 

Nathan Coulter-Nile

 

The first person whom I picked solely on his performance at the Big Bash League. However, further research has brought to light that this fellow has picked up 41 wickets in just nine first class games and so, he definitely has the potential to do well in the longer format of the international game.

 

James Faulkner

 

Would be the youngest member of the bowling unit. He can replace Mitchell Starc perfectly and he also has considerable ability with the bat. His first class records are also great and it is time that he represents Australia at least in one of the three formats at a senior level.

 

Twelfth Man : Michael Clarke

 

He can come all the way to Adelaide to receive the Border-Gavaskar trophy and also be the non-playing captain, in other words, Klinger's direct advisor.

 

 

A pity that the Australian selectors didn't think of such a possibility and concentrated more on securing a 4-0 whitewash. This move could have motivated these young players a lot and in case, considering the hypothetical scenario where they succeed, it would also put pressure on the regulars, and I'm sure that their response to the pressure would have brought out positive results.

 

Have a nice day.