India vs Australia 2017: 5 issues Australia should resolve before the third Test

#4 The fifth bowler and replacement for Starc

Bowling long spells can cause injuries

Although Australia’s four main bowlers got 20 wickets in both the Tests, the performance in the Bengaluru Test wasn’t as impressive as the one in the first Test in Pune. Steve O'Keefe, who had demolished the Indian batting line up in the first Test, was neutralised efficiently by the Indian batsmen.

Nathan Lyon was in clear trouble during the latter half of the Bangalore Test and his fingers were severely damaged due to bowling long spells. Mitchell Starc’s injury is a huge blow for the visitors and this will only add to the pressure on Josh Hazlewood. Although there are plenty of options for replacing Starc, no current pace bowler from Australia looks as threatening as him in Asian conditions.

Thus, it may not be a bad idea to bring an extra bowler in the side. Having a third spinner will reduce the burden on Lyon and O'Keefe and would also allow Smith more options. However, bringing the third spinner would mean sacrificing batting strength which Australia cannot afford at this time.

It will be a brave call to include an extra bowler in the side, but if it pays off, it will surely seal the deal for Australia.