Cricket: Rotation policy chucked out at first major hurdle

Australia's new rotation policy faced its first major test yesterday and was dismissed as quickly as India's openers have been throughout the summer season.

Under the policy announced two weeks ago, hard-working duo Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus should have been prime candidates for 12th-man duties for today's fourth test in Adelaide.

But skipper and selector Michael Clarke wanted his best 11 on the paddock and his wish has been granted.

Young quick Mitchell Starc was handed the role of drinks waiter with offspinner Nathan Lyon coming back into the team alongside the pace trio of Siddle, Hilfenhaus and Ryan Harris.

Clarke, whose men hold a 3-nil advantage in the four-match series, says he's determined to lift his fourth-placed side back to the top ranking.

"In my opinion it was about picking the best 11 to win the test," Clarke told a news conference.

"I have said that from the start, that we want to win every test match that we play and this series is no different.

"I guess winning the last two test matches in less than five days has helped everyone recover as well so all the guys are fighting fit and ready to go."

After Australia's four-man pace attack ran through India's batting lineup twice in two-and-a-half days on the bouncy Perth pitch in the third test, Clarke is expecting a flat batting track in Adelaide and the match is likely to last five days.

And while Lyon can expect to get plenty of work, Clarke says reverse swing will be a major factor with variable bounce coming into play late in the game.

"We know these conditions are probably going to suit India a lot more than where we have come from in Perth so we are going to have to be at our best to beat them," Clarke said.

Clarke said Lyon, with a return of just 2-180 so far in the series, should not be expected to suddenly be the team's go-to man in the second half of the match on a wearing pitch.

"I definitely have a lot of confidence in Lyno. I would hate to put that sort of expectation on him," Clarke said.

It will be Lyon's 10th test and first at his home ground, where he's a former groundsman.

India are yet to name a team although Wriddhiman Saha will replace wicketkeeper/batsman and skipper MS Dhoni, who has been suspended for one match for his side's slow over-rate in Perth.

Acting captain Virender Sehwag said the tourists were considering playing two spinners, Ravi Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha, in the Adelaide test.

- AAP