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That is very interesting BH. The current top 6 in the Australian team would have probably been struggling to even get into their state teams 20 years back based on that information.

And one of the main contenders for a spot in the top 6 is Mitch Marsh, with a test average of 26 from 31 tests and Shield average of 32.

Aust went thru a purple patch with a plethora of good bats...same as the WI thru the 70's & 80's.....now they can't find anyone to get to 20 these days and haven't had a decent bat for years...Chanderpaul was their last decent bat.....

Can't see Langer blooding any youngsters like Sangha or Pucovski on a whim any time soon....can see all the likes of all Aust current lot ending their careers with 30 odd test averages tho.....does Langer pull the trigger now and play a Pucovski before the Ashes?....big call considering his recent mental health issues....but Ponting had a few anger issues as a youngster, was blooded early on pure ability and ended up one of Aust best....on an ashes tour in Eng too! But saying that he was surrounded by class acts, something Pucovski doesn't have.....just feel Langer needs to do something out of the box......pity the BBL takes over now, no chance for some more longer format innings for the likes of Sangha, Pucovski etc....

I would not blood any young players until Smith is back

Khawaja worries me a bit. He seemed to have sorted his issues out in the UAE but he looked completely clueless and unable to score against Ashwin in this game. I have a feeling that they will go into the Perth test with an unchanged XI to see if they can gel a bit better this time. Finch could move down the order as others have suggested as he does seem susceptible to the new ball. He would have got a pair in this game if Ishant Sharma had not overstepped in the 2nd innings.

India look like they could be in a world of pain at Lunch Day 1 Optus Stadium. With the selection of 4 fast bowlers and bowling to short in the first session. Adding some solid opening from Finch+Harris.
On such a hot inclement day .The 4 quicks will be exhibited in the last session. Huge toss to win and bat first.Batting last will be tricky v Lyon chasing 300+..Have to wait to see if the Fremantle Doctor enters the stadium at ground level.There no swing for the bowlers.

0/66....only a good platform if the batsmen bat like Pujara did....patience then cash in when the bowlers are fatigued....bigger session this one coming up to make the Indian bowlers truly knackered....cash in post tea....up to Harris and Finch to keep their heads.....

Nearly 4 50s in Aust top order...unheard of in recent times.....Ponting has jinxed Uzzie with his prediction....whilst Handscomb does what he does....up to the skipper and Australia's recognised batsmen now to keep India out in the heat for a few more hours.....hopefully in that time Australia will pass 300......Harris showed his undoubted ability, Finch kind of silenced his doubters, Marsh missed out on converting a score past 10 into a 100.....Head finding his feet at test level......tho continues to struggle to convert a 50 into a 100......need the GOAT to go big with the bat I reckon......Starc to rip thru the Indian batsmen tomorrow with a 7 for.....

A really competitive day of test cricket. I think Australia are just a whisker in front given the at times erratic behaviour of the pitch. It was weird because the Australians kept the good balls out but perished to ordinary deliveries and poor shot selection
Finch a good determined knock but will always be an LBW candidate shuffling across his stumps
Harris - He is a real prospect, his square driving was a delight to watch.
Khwaja- Seems totally unable to score at the moment, then plays a poor shot when the pressure gets too much
Marsh- Looked great but played a poor shot to the spinner when set.
Handscomb- Another poor shot but a fantastic catch by Kohli
Head- Fell for a sucker punch when he had done all the hard work

If Paine and the tail could scrape another 70 runs tommorrow to get to 350, this will give our attack an above par score to bowl to (I reckon 300 is par). There is enough in that pitch to keep all the Australian bowlers interested if they can put the ball in the right areas.

Why is Nathan Lyon bowlling around the wicket when India are still nearly 200 runs behind?