India vs Australia | Expecting spinner to be involved in next game, claims Aakash Chopra

India will go up against a reinvigorated Australian team in the next match at the MCG Stadium in Melbourne on Boxing Day as both sides will back themselves to outplay the other and bring pride to their respective nation. While Virat Kohli & Co. were regarded as favorites ahead of the start of the series, Justin Langer’s boys have proved that they will certainly not be pushovers, especially on home soil.

Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra revealed that he hoped to see a specialist spinner in the matchday squad at the MCG after the decision to field a four-man pace attack embarrassingly backfired for the Indians in Perth. With the current series standing 1-1 after two Tests, all eyes have shifted to Melbourne. It’s been raining in Melbourne for the last few days but the sun is likely to be out for the duration of the Test. Once again, it’ll be important to read the conditions well for playing the right XI and also to make the right decision if you win the toss.

"Unlike the new stadium at Perth, pitches at Melbourne and Sydney (venues for the last two Tests) have seen a lot of international cricket over the years, and therefore, you know what to expect. 

"We might still be in for a surprise (if it’s too grassy, dusty or damp to start with) but still it is unlikely to fall in the realm of the unknown. I’m expecting a spinner to be included in the playing XI for sure but the key question will be about Hardik Pandya and his role in the playing XI," Chopra wrote in his column for Hindustan Times.

Chopra, who represented India in 10 Test matches, also highlighted the advantage of playing on home soil. The Australians will definitely have a better idea as to how the pitch at the MCG will behave in the coming days and will make a call on their matchday squad accordingly.

"Half the side was back in the pavilion in the first session itself. And then the pitch flattened out significantly. Ganguly choosing to field first in the 2003 World Cup final was another example of getting it horribly wrong. But that’s the case with all captains — you will make a lot of right calls but you’ll always be remembered for the ones that didn’t go your way.

"When we talk about ‘home advantage’ it’s not only about getting the crowd support and having a game that’s better suited for pitches at home but also includes knowing a bit more about the conditions than the visitors. That knowledge always comes in handy while picking the right XI," Chopra added.