Australia will consider recalling Ryan Harris for next week's Sydney Test as part of a four-pronged pace attack after the home side scored a crushing 122-win run over India in the first Test.
Michael Clarke's men relied heavily on the pace trio of James Pattinson (match figures of 6 for 108), Peter Siddle (6 for 105) and Ben Hilfenhaus (7 for 114) who claimed 19 wickets between them at the MCG.
Spinner Nathan Lyon contributed match figures of 1 for 91, admittedly on a wicket that was spongy and offered assistance to the seamers.
Harris, who has battled injuries in 2011 but is arguably Australia's best quick, could struggle to force his way back into the side with Pattinson claiming his second man-of-the-match award and leading an in-form attack.
But Clarke says the Sydney pitch could favour the pace bowlers.
"The SCG of late has had a fair bit of grass on it," Clarke said on Thursday after Australia had bowled India out for 169 chasing 292 to win on day four.
"It's great news for us if Ryan Harris is fully fit.
"From what I've seen in the nets he looks ready to go.
"If it has got grass on it like it did last year then there is a chance we can play four fast bowlers."
Australia will name a squad on Friday for the Sydney Test which starts on January 3.
Siddle's Victoria team-mate Pattinson, 21, described winning a Test at the MCG as something beyond his wildest dreams.
A total of 189,347 people attended the game, setting a new record for a Test match against India after beating the 181,053 who attended Steve Waugh's final game at the SCG in January 2004.
Clarke said Australia's tail-enders had played key roles in both innings, especially in the second dig when the home side had been 4 for 27.
But the skipper leapt to the defence of his side who have also been bowled out for 47 in South Africa and 136 against New Zealand in Hobart in recent matches.
"We copped a bit of criticism for being four for not many again in the second innings," he said.
"There's reasons for Cape Town. There's reasons for Hobart.
"They've been bowling-friendly conditions."
Clarke also said he had confidence in Lyon, although he admitted the off spinner's position would be discussed with his fellow selectors.
"He's bowling really well. He's learning a lot," Clarke said.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, sydney-2000, australia First posted December 29, 2011 21:53:42
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