Aussies swing shock batting order shake-up for fourth Test

Australia have gone with a reshuffled batting order and recalls for Marnus Labuschagne and Peter Handscomb in Sydney, where the uncertain hosts are scrambling to avoid unprecedented ignominy.

Tim Paine’s team must win the fourth Test, which starts on Thursday, or they will become the first Australian side to suffer a series loss at home to India.

Labuschagne has won his first Test cap on home soil, and in a surprising move will bat up the order at No.3.

The Queenslander played two Tests against Pakistan in the UAE in October, batting at No.6, but usually bats at No.3 in Sheffield Shield.

Meanwhile, Handscomb’s recall means Aaron Finch and Mitch Marsh miss out, while Usman Khawaja will open alongside Marcus Harris.

However they will have to wait for their chance in the middle, with India winning the toss and batting first.

On Wednesday, Tim Paine backed both Labuschagne and Handscomb to fire.

“We think it will spin here so if India were to play two spinners, I think Pete can be a really important player for us,” he said.

“He’s an excellent player of spin.

“Like Marnus, he’s a very good package and person to have around.

“Marnus … his legspin has improved out of sight and you’re almost leaning towards him at Test level now as a bit of an all-round option.”

Meanwhile, India have recalled opening batsman KL Rahul and left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Rahul comes in after Rohit Sharma flew back to India for the birth of his daughter, while Yadav replaces Ishant Sharma.

AUSTRALIA:

Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschangne, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Tim Paine (c) (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

INDIA:

Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah