Australia look to versatility and spin to turn the tide in India

We don’t know what pitch conditions we will come up against in each of the venues but wanted to make sure we have plenty of options available to us. India is a tough place to succeed in, but we have a squad here which we believe can perform well enough in those conditions to give a good account of itself.

MELBOURNE: Australia have included uncapped Mitchell Swepson and recalled Ashton Agar in a four-man spin-bowling unit for the test tour of India, part of a versatile squad they hope can turn the tide of their recent results in the country.

The Australians, who have lost their last nine series in India, also recalled all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell to allow flexibility to deal whatever conditions they face in the four tests starting next month.

Top order batsman Shaun Marsh, Mitchell’s brother, was also recalled after losing his place in the side for the series against South Africa and Pakistan through injury.

Jackson Bird was included in the 16-man squad as a third pace option along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, despite being dropped for the final test against Pakistan to allow two spinners to play in Sydney.

The Australians will review their fast-bowling resources after the second test in Bangalore. Queenslander Swepson, 23, was the major surprise of the touring party, getting the call up after just 14 first-class games. Swepson joins lead spinner Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar and Steve O’Keefe.

“To be honest, I didn’t really know how to take it. I was just so shocked,” Swepson said.

The Queensland leg-spinner admitted he thought he had no chance of earning his first international call-up, despite the endorsement of spin legend Shane Warne. “It’s awesome to get that sort of feedback from the best leg-spinner we’ve ever seen play the game,” Swepson said.

“We don’t know what pitch conditions we will come up against in each of the venues but wanted to make sure we have plenty of options available to us,” head selector Trevor Hohns said.

“We know India is an incredibly tough place to tour and to succeed in, but we have a squad here which we believe can perform well enough in those conditions to give a good account of itself.