Andrew Wu writes on cricket and AFL for The Sydney Morning Herald
The man who led Australia to their only series victory in India in nearly 50 years, Adam Gilchrist, has highlighted the importance of defence over aggression as Steve Smith's men prepare for mission impossible.
Australia's bowlers are preying on Pakistan's frailties against pace and bounce as they aim to regain the series lead in the third one-day international in Perth on Thursday.
Selectors have left the door ajar for a shock call-up of pace duo Pat Cummins and James Pattinson in India, to safeguard against injury to their senior quicks.
Australia's plans for the tour of India have already hit a snag with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh battling a shoulder injury that has ruled him out of the rest of the one-day series against Pakistan.
On the day the touring party for India was named, Australia were given a sobering reminder of their weakness against spin as Pakistan's long drought ended on Sunday at the MCG.
Mitchell Marsh still has ambitions of becoming a batting all-rounder despite selectors now viewing his bowling as his strongest suit.
Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe have been asked to do what even the great Shane Warne could not as Australia invest heavily in spin in a bid to end their abysmal run in Asia.
In the 16-man squad announcement for Australia's tour of India, one name stood out for its anonymity more than anything else – Mitchell Swepson.
Queensland legspinner Mitchell Swepson is among four spinners included in Australia's 16-man squad for the looming Test tour of India.
Selectors are strongly considering taking all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh to India as part of a radical plan to increase their batting depth for the mighty challenge on the subcontinent.
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