Australia brought Ryan Harris in his squad for the second test against India on Friday, adding a fourth pace option one day after Bowling his way to victory in their opening match against the tourists.
The subject to injuries Harris joins James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus at the 12-man for the second game of the four-test series, which begins on Tuesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Pattinson, playing in only his third test, edged Siddle and Hilfenhaus to man of the match honours in Melbourne after all three played key roles with bat and ball in 122-run victory.
All four playing on the SCG would be a statement is a land that has traditionally favoured spin bowling, but Captain Michael Clarke said on Thursday that omit Nathan Lyon can be a bet that the hosts were prepared to take.
Leveled all rounder Dan Christian and Mitchell Starc were included in a 13-man squad for the first test but made way for 32-year-old Harris, who has been struggling with a hip injury.
"I've seen Ryan bowl in networks over the past few days and it looks pretty good," Captain Michael Clarke said on Thursday.
"That is probably one of the bonuses we have at the moment, our offense is bowling really well and we have guys like Ryan about the amendment and not very far from being fully fit. I think it's a good problem to have. "
When fully fit, Harris is a formidable bowler and would be a welcome addition to the trio that has plenty of pace and movement off the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
While Australia's bowling attack looked rude health the MCG, the batting line-up again showed a weakness that became very familiar this year.
The higher order remained intact, despite some disappointing performances, perhaps because opening batsman and all rounder Shane Watson was not yet available for selection.
Watson, player of the year Australia for the past two seasons, suffered an injury in South Africa last month and lost the series against New Zealand and the Boxing Day test.
"Shane was not fully recovered from calf injury right and is therefore unavailable for the Sydney test," team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris team said in a statement.
"He will continue his rehabilitation and hope to be available for one of the remaining matches."
Australia, who never lost a test series against India at home, also play matches in Perth and Adelaide after the Sydney test.
Cast-Michael Clarke (Captain), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ryan Harris, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon.
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