Oz leave out Christian, Starc for 1st Test against India

Melbourne: All-rounder Dan Christian was left out, while opener Ed Cowan was expectedly handed a Test debut in the final XI announced today by Australian skipper Michael Clarke for the opening cricket Test against India, starting here on Monday.

Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc also failed to find a place in the final XI, which will have pacer Ben Hilfenhaus who is
set to play his first Test since last year's Ashes.

A fit-again Shaun Marsh, who had been battling a back problem, was named at number three after his 99-run knock in a
Twenty20 Big Bash knock earlier this week.

The out-of-form duo of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey have also retained their positions from the 13-member squad
that was announced by the selectors.

'I'm confident we've got the best XI to win this Test match in these conditions,' Clarke said.

'I can use Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting and myself to bowl a few overs. David Warner can bowl a few legspinners. I
feel we've got the right XI to give ourselves a chance of winning this Test match,' he added, explaining the decision to
go with a four-pronged attack.