Dhoni Back as India Looks First Test Win at Gabba

Brisbane: India cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni would reportedly return from a thumb injury to lead his men in the second Test at the Gabba against Australia on Wednesday.

Dhoni replaces stand-in wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha in the Indian side and takes back the captaincy duties from Virat Kohli. Moreover, in another change to India's side, tall offspinner Ravi Ashwin is set to play at the Gabba replacing leggie Karn Sharma.

Dhoni said that Ashwin is definitely someone who can bat lower down the order, adding that they feel it is very important, admitting that at times they have lost number eight, nine and 10 batsmen cheaply, News.com.au reported.

India has never won a Test at the Gabba but Dhoni isn't scared by history or the green pitch that would favour Australia's pace attack.

Dhoni said that the last couple of tours India has not played there, adding that they have won at some of the fastest Test wickets in Johannesburg and Perth. He added that there would be something extra for the bowlers, especially the fast bowlers.

On otherhand, Australia veteran Australian pacer Ryan Harris and fast bowler Peter Siddle have been reportedly ruled out, as Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have been called into the bowling attack.

For young New South Wales giant Hazlewood, it's a long awaited Test debut after several years waiting in the wings.

The green conditions at the Gabba should suit Hazlewood to perfection, with Siddle dropped out of the line-up after struggling for form in Adelaide and Harris picking up a slight quad strain, News.com.au reported.

Shaun Marsh has also been named into the squad, replacing Michael Clarke, and would bat at number five with new skipper Steve Smith elevating himself to number four.

Hazlewood, who is renowned for his pace and bounce, has been compared to Glenn McGrath in style.

Meanwhile, Harris' omission opens the door for Starc to make a stunning Test return after only coming into the squad as a late addition in Brisbane.

Australia lead the series 1-0 after completing a thrilling 48-run victory on Saturday.

Teams

Australian: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steven Smith (Capt.), Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin (vice-captain, wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

India (from): Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (vice-captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni (Capt. & wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Varun Aaron, Suresh Raina, Lokesh Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Karn Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhawal Kulkarni, Umesh Yadav

Pitch and conditions
The Gabba surface is well grassed and appears likely afforded plenty of pace and bounce for pace attack.

Stats and trivia

• Steven Smith will be Australia's 45th Test captain, and youngest since Kim Hughes in 1979.
• Shaun and Mitchell Marsh are the first Australian brothers to play together in a Test since Mark and Steve Waugh played their last together against Pakistan in the UAE in 2002
• The last time Australia lost at the Gabba was 26 years ago, against West Indies.
• India have never won a Test at the Gabba, they lost four Test but last Test in 2003 they better of a draw.

Match facts
December 17-21, 2014
Start time 1000 local (0000 GMT, 0530 IST)