Ian Chappell Wants India to Play Five Bowlers in Sydney Test

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell feels even though he backs the hosts to win the series 3-0, India should field five specialist bowlers including two spinners in the final cricket Test, starting January 6.

India's bowling attack in overseas conditions has traditionally been four-pronged with a single spinner in operation. It was debutant leg-spinner Karn Sharma featuring as sole spinner in the Adelaide Test while Ravichandran Ashwin replaced him in Brisbane and Melbourne.

"I probably favour a 3-0 result. I think what India have got to do, I don't know if they've got the players to do it, but I think they could go with an attack of three quickies and two spinners," Chappell told ESPNCricinfo.

According to Chappell, left-arm spinner Akshar Patel could also be an option for India. Akshar replaced injured Ravindra Jadeja in the squad.

"I don't know much about Patel, who has come out to replace Jadeja, but I think if they can go for three quickies and two spinners, that would be the right combination for Sydney," Chappell opined.

Chappell said Indian attack lacked a quality allrounder like Shane Watson.

"If they think Patel's got some potential, maybe that's the time to get him in because I think they haven't got anyone unlike Australia who have had Mitchell Marsh and you've got Shane Watson, who can give you eight, 10, 12 overs in a game.

"If Mitchell Marsh is there with Shane Watson, you can get more. India don't have anyone that can do that. They've got a couple of part-timers, but nothing serious. I think they've probably got to come up with the combination of five bowlers and the combination has got to be three quicks, two spinners."

Chappell also felt that India need to change their bowling strategy a bit.

"I think they have a chance (to take 20 wickets) but they're not given the proper chance....some of the things they (bowlers) are being asked to do don't allow them to be consistent. When you're being asked to bang the thing into the track regularly, and suddenly you've got to bowl good line and length, that's not an easy thing to do," Chappell said.

Chappell cited Glenn McGrath's example.

"You know, a guy like Glenn McGrath, who was known for his accuracy, found that a very difficult thing to do. For inexperienced bowlers, it's almost impossible."