Australia may opt for pace for Indian tour

Despite the sub-continental wickets having a tradition of favouring spin, Australia is considering fielding only one spinner in the forthcoming three-Test series in India if skipper Steve Waugh remains convinced that he can beat the Indians with his pace trio of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie.

"If Steve (Waugh) is convinced that he can beat the Indians with his trident of pacemen McGrath, Lee and Gillespie, Australia might opt for only one spinner," national selector Allan Border has said.

The coming series is crucial for Australia on two counts - first they have not beaten India in the sub-continent since 1969 and secondly Waugh feels that the all-conquering Aussies could claim to be an alltime great team only if they win against India.

But according to media reports, Border feels there is a good chance of beating the Indians in India this time.

"We have firepower across the board with spin bowlers and quickies. Our batsmen have all been to the Indian sub-continent quite a few times in recent years so they are a little more au fait with living conditions, the lifestyle and the culture shock and then the cricket conditions as well. I reckon this is a real big chance for us," Border said.

As the selection process gets underway, Border said: "Depending on what Steve Waugh reckons, we might get down to taking only one spinner in the Tests if he thinks we are better off attacking them with pace. However, logic says we will take three spinners to the haven of spinners that is India".

Leg-spinner Struat MacGill, spin wizard Shane Warne and offspinner Colin Miller, are the contenders for the spin bowling slot.

Waugh's confidence in his fast bowlers is propelled by Clive Lloyd's West Indian victory in the sub-continent. The Aussies are expecting turning wickets in India.

The 14 or 15 member team led by Waugh will reach India on February 14 to play three three-day first class games in Baroda (February 17-19), Mumbai (February 22-24) and New Delhi (March 6-8).

The first Test starts in Mumbai on February 27 followed by the second Test in Chennai on March 11 and the third Test in Kolkata on March 18. The series concludes with five limited overs internationals.

Border said: "If need be, we will take 15 players. As far as the balance is concerned, if we looked at 14 and it meant a very good player would miss out, we would send 15. Let's have the right players there".

It is going to be a tough selection meeting, Border contended.