The third Test between Australia and India begins today in Ranchi. It comes after what seems like an eternity since the second Test ended in controversy.
The Australian side is set to undergo major changes, due to injuries to Mitchell Marsh and Mitchell Starc. New South Wales quick, Pat Cummins, is likely to make his long awaited Test return, replacing Starc. Meanwhile the number six spot vacated by Marsh is up for grabs.
Marcus Stoinis was flown into India to replace Marsh in the squad. He will look to build on his maiden International ton that came in an ODI against New Zealand earlier this year. In the same game he also claimed figures of 3/49 with his medium pace.
The other contender for the spot is fellow Victorian, Glenn Maxwell, who some believe should have been playing since the start of the series.
Despite offering another spin option, Steve Smith has shown that just because Maxwell is in one of his sides, does not mean he will throw him the ball. During the recent ODI series against Pakistan, Maxwell did not bowl one ball, Smith preferring Travis Head as the fifth bowler.
Despite some low Australian totals across the first two Tests, it appears Usman Khawaja will again miss out. The 30-year-old has been left out of the final XI, despite performing well in Australia. Shaun Marsh was selected in front of Khawaja, and if he fails to make a big score in this Test the pressure will be on. Apart from his 60 in the last match, his highest score for the series is 16.
For India, Murali Vijay, looks set to make his return. It will be a milestone match for the opening batsmen, with it set to be his 50th Test match. Apart from Vijay coming in, Kohli's side is expected to go unchanged for the third test.
The pitch in Ranchi is coming under close scrutiny, this comes after sub-par wickets were produced in the first two tests. It is expected to once again offer a lot for the spinners, while also making the quicks work for their wickets.
This is a crucial match in regards to the series, with the winner taking a 2-1 lead over their opposition. India will be riding a wave of confidence after their win in Bengaluru, while the Australians will be looking to get back at the side who attacked them in the media after the second Test.
