Melbourne, Australia, Jan 17: Australia has named an unchanged 12-man squad for the fourth and final cricket test against India at Adelaide from Jan. 24 as it pursues a series sweep.
Spinner Nathan Lyon has retained his place in the squad and is expected to play in spin-friendly conditions at the Adelaide Oval, displacing either Peter Siddle or fellow-paceman Mitchell Starc in Australia's starting XI.
"A spin bowler has always been a priority in test matches at Adelaide Oval and it is very likely that Nathan Lyon will replace one of the other bowlers in the final XI for the fourth Test," chairman of selectors John Inverarity said.
Siddle has played in all five of Australia's tests so far this summer — against New Zealand and India — and may be rested after Australia clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the third test Sunday.
The Australian selectors are aware of the dangers of a heavy workload on fast bowlers after injuries this season to Mitchell Johnson, Patrick Cummins and more recently James Pattinson.
"The fact the Australians were able to dismiss India in only 60 and 63 overs in Perth and the extra two rest days because the test finished early has meant that there is reduced concern about excessive workloads for the fast bowlers.
Starc said he was hopeful of retaining his place for the Adelaide test. The 21-year-old left armer took four wickets in the third test at Perth and told reporters he was keen for another crack at the Indian batting lineup.
"We'll go down to Adelaide and have a look at the pitch down there and, if all goes well, (I'll) have a spot in the XI," Starc said.
"Any game you get to play for Australia is a pretty special moment. I'm just enjoying any chance I get and hopefully I can play a few back-to-back."
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and top-order batsman Shaun Marsh have both been retained despite recent batting slumps. Starc said he backed Haddin to quickly recover his best form.
"As we saw in the first (Twenty20) game he played for the (Sydney) Sixers, he was right on the money there, hit 70 for us and pretty much won the game for us," Starc said.
Australia squad: David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (captain), Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle, Mitch Starc.
