Australia is set to name a four-pronged spin attack for its four-Test tour of India, including potential debutant Todd Murphy.
The Victorian is viewed as the second-best spinner in Australia, according to News Corp, and could join Nathan Lyon should selectors choose to name two in the best XI.
But former Aussie paceman Michael Kasprowicz fears debuting Murphy could be dangerous for the 22-year-old.
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He instead believes Mitch Swepson, who he watched while commentating of Australia’s tour of Pakistan last year, will “go really well if the conditions and opportunity presents itself”.
Swepson and Murphy are bidding for Ashton Agar’s spot in the side after his wicketless performance at the SCG against South Africa.
Australian captain Pat Cummins rejected suggestions Agar’s return to the Test side was an audition for the India tour following the drawn match.
LIKELY AUSTRALIAN SQUAD FOR BORDER-GAVASKAR SERIES IN INDIA
Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitch Swepson, David Warner
“I’m sure Ash will be there,” Cummins said. “This wicket was a bit different to India. It wasn’t spinning out of the middle of the wicket.
“Indian wickets sometimes really break up, even from the middle of the wicket. And left-arm orthodox becomes really effective against right-handed batters.
“It was 800 runs (for the game) and three wickets for spin for the game (in Sydney). It wasn’t easy but I thought he bowled really well.”
Peter Handscomb and Matt Renshaw will provide batting options with Cameron Green racing the clock to return from his broken finger, while Mitchell Starc should miss at least the first Test in Nagpur beginning on February 9.
The question of whether to blood Murphy, play Agar or ignore a second spinner altogether remains the largest question hanging over Aussie selection.
“Don’t do it (debut Swepson) in India,” Kasprowicz told the Nine papers. “They are the best players of spin in the world. There’s a temptation when you turn up to a spinning wicket … you end up finding that bowlers try too hard for their wickets.
“This whole search for spin (in India) … there’s a bit of a myth about that. The best spinner ever was Warnie. His record in India wasn’t fabulous. He’s bowling against the best players of spin in the world in their conditions. That was the other side of it. As far as spin bowlers, you don’t need to overthink it. You’ve got to almost simplify it.
“I spoke to (ex-Indian coach) Ravi Shastri during the IPL years ago. I asked what’s the secret in India in the subcontinent. He said it’s all about accuracy. He said it’s not about the flight or dip … it’s about getting it in that right area and the pitch naturally gives you variation. I’m excited about this series because someone like Nathan Lyon has been there and done it all before.
“I think Travis Head’s off-spin is pretty cool. If he is coming in for five or 10 overs in a day, if the wicket is turning, he’s going to do a good job.”
Australia needs just one win in India to lock up a spot in the World Test Championship final this June in England.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR OF INDIA DATES (All starting 3pm AEDT)
First Test: Nagpur, February 9 to 13
Second Test: Delhi, February 17 to 21
Third Test: Dharamsala, March 1 to 5
Fourth Test: Ahmedabad, March 9 to 13
