Throw Christian to the lions: Gillespie

While former pacer Glenn McGrath may have said that he is satisfied with Australia's pace armoury, another former speedster in Jason Gillespie feels the team needs the stump-to-stump consistency of Dan Christian against India in the opening Test.

In a report in the Herald Sun, Gillespie was quoted as saying that Christian is a good package. "Dan Christian will debut in Melbourne - I can't see any way around it. He bowls quicker than he is given credit for with his seamers and has variation. Dan is ready for Tests. He's a good package."

Gillsepie is of the opinion that Christian is a capable all-rounder and therefore deserves a serious consideration. While Australia is banking on James Pattinson and Nathan Lyon to propel the team against India, based on their emphatic debuts, Gillespie feels experience cannot be completely discounted.

In a related report in the Courier Mail, Gillespie is quoted as saying that he would have Christain coming in to bat at the number 6 spot. The same report lauds India's Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma and reads that though injury cloud may be on them, the duo are amongst the top bowlers and it increases Australia's need to counter pace with experienced pace.