Australia vs India 2018-19: 3 changes India need to make for the Boxing Day Test

#1. Revert to the five-bowler strategy

Hardik Pandya's return couldn't have come at a better time

When Virat Kohli assumed the role of Indian captain, he made all the right noises with his inclination to play five bowlers. For many a year India had lacked the ability to pick 20 wickets in a game and in Kohli, they seemed to have a captain hell-bent on correcting that flaw.

However, as time has passed, Kohli and the Indian team management have picked and chosen when to deploy five bowlers. Unfortunately for them, they have gotten it wrong more times than it being the other way round.

In 2018, India have won three Tests in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand & Australia) countries, and it is no coincidence that they’ve fielded five bowlers on two out of those three occasions.

However, with an uncertainty surrounding their batting, the Indians have frequently given in to the temptation of playing an extra batsman.

Come Melbourne, the Indian team needs to display the brand of fearless cricket that Kohli always preaches. Attacking intent is not just shown on the field, but also sent out through signals via team selections.

Hardik Pandya has been included in the squad for the last two games. You would hope that he is included in the team, thus reverting to the five-bowler strategy.

Despite facing an Australian team in transition, a series Down Under is never easy. In order to beat the Australians in their backyard, a combination of courage and adventure is a prerequisite.

And unless India are brave and play with five bowlers, they could see their greatest chance of a Test series victory in Australia slip from their grasp.