Adelaide, Jan 23: Australia may have reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by taking a 3-0 lead against India in the ongoing Test series, but the hosts are keen to make it a clean sweep by winning at the Adelaide Oval.
Michael Clarke’s boys have defeated India comprehensively in the previous three encounters but believe that beating the visitors in the last Test would not be easy given the favourable batting conditions.
"We know these conditions are probably going to suit India a lot more than where we have come from in Perth so we are going to have to be at our best to beat them, that is for sure," the Australia skipper was quoted as saying before the final Test.
"I think reverse swing will play a huge part in this Test. It always does. The ground is in great nick so the outfield will keep the ball newer than I have seen it in the past. But I think as the day goes on, especially in the heat, you will see a lot of reverse swing," he said.
Given the spin-friendly conditions, Nathan Lyon has replaced Mitchell Starc in the team."It's probably as close to Indian conditions as you're going to get in Australia, so as a batting unit we have been working on that in the nets. We have faced a bit of reverse swing and fair bit of spin. I think our preparations have been spot on," Clarke added.
About Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus’ inclusion in the squad Clarke explained, "We think that's the best XI to give us every chance to win this Test. I think the experience of the other three quicks will play a big part in these conditions.
"I have played a number of times in India when the ball has spun so that will be no different next time we go there, I'm sure. In my opinion, it's very hard to doctor the wicket when you're playing against very good opposition.
"It's about preparing a pitch and then both teams playing on it. That will be no different when we go to India and I think it has been the same in Australia for a while now. In the last couple of years I have seen a little bit more grass on the pitches," he added.
"Our preparation has been the same as the first three Test matches; we flew into Adelaide a day early to make sure we had enough time for training. Our focus is exactly the same – we want to continue to play some really good, positive cricket," he said.
Speaking about MS Dhoni’s one-match ban for maintaining a slow over-rate at Perth, Clarke stated, "It's harsh that the captain is the one who suffers the punishment but that's the reality of your job as the leader of the group. You are responsible so that is the way it is.”
