Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith has revealed that veteran seamer Ryan Harris would replace left-armer Mitchell Starc, while Queensland opener Joe Burns would come in at number six for the hosts in his debut Test on Boxing Day in Melbourne against India.
Smith revealed that Harris has recovered from a thigh injury and would return to the side in place of Starc. He added that all-rounder Shane Watson, who has been struggling with the bat and was badly shaken by a hit to the helmet during training earlier this week, would remain at the key position of number three.
Smith said that the big crowd and buzz of a Melbourne Test would add to the sense of occasion for Burns, adding that one has got to enjoy it as it is just another cricket game for him, News.com.au reported.
Smith also declared that his team is pleased opponents India is spending so much of their time 'whingeing and complaining'. He claimed that there was no need to pursue a meticulous sledging strategy during the match because of the visitors' public griping, which has included the quality of practice pitches and also the quality of food provided to them.
The stand-in skipper claimed that at the moment the Indians are doing that themselves, adding that among their group, they're doing a lot of 'whingeing and complaining' among themselves. He claimed that the visitors are doing it all for them and hopefully that can hinder them this week.
Smith claimed that for Australia it is just about going out there and doing the same thing all the time.