Middle Order:
Australia
Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh, in his first two tests, were among Australia's few success stories in the Pakistan series and are almost certain to bat at numbers five and six. Smith scored three half centuries in the Emirates and then showed he could play higher up the order by winning Man of the Series honours in the recent one-day triumph over South Africa.
Brad Haddin, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, will retain the wicketkeeping gloves and could captain the side in his 60th test if Clarke is not fit. Mitchell Johnson, who boasts one century and nine half centuries in tests, adds a little more length to the tail.
India
Dhoni is the only batsman with the experience that is required in the middle order. Suresh Raina has made a come back in the test team. He has visible problems with rising deliveries, well known to fast bowlers world over. Jadeja has yet to prove he is in the team primarily as a batsman and not as a make shift bowler.