India's new spin star poses selection dilemma

India's new bowling star Amit Mishra is sweating on selection for the third Test against Australia - despite a match-winning seven-wicket haul against the tourists.

The 25-year-old was picked for the second Test in Mohali as a last-minute replacement for injured Indian leg-spin veteran Anil Kumble and tied the Australians in knots with his enormous leg-breaks and the odd googly.

The debutant's seven wickets helped India to a thumping 320-run win, and the Australians are desperate to avoid a repeat in this week's New Delhi Test.

But they may receive help from the Indian selectors, who face a tricky selection dilemma for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series beginning here on Wednesday, with Kumble raring to play on his favourite surface.

The inspirational Indian skipper became only the second bowler to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings after England's Jim Laker at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium here in 1999. And he has 55 wickets at a rate of just 15.41 in six Tests at the venue.

The 38-year-old's injured shoulder is improving rapidly and he is keen to lead India again with time running out of his career spanning 18 years and 131 Tests. But former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell believes Mishra should be given the nod over Kumble.

"Mishra is a talented leg spinner. His control and variety confused the Australians in the Mohali game," he wrote in his Cricinfo column, adding that going back to Kumble would be a step backwards for India.

Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke said whoever was selected would be a challenge as the tourists seek to battle their way back into the four-Test series, in which they trail 1-0.

"They are two very different bowlers but Anil has been fantastic for India for a long time," he said. "I would imagine if he is fit he will be back in the team in Delhi and the youngster is just going to have to wait until Anil gets injured again, retires, whatever he decides to do.

"Whoever they pick, we know we are going to have to bat well against them." Mahendra Dhoni, who stood in as captain for Kumble in the Mohali Test, kept his cards close to his chest although he was full of praise for the youngster, who has played in three one-day internationals.

"I believe in him (Mishra) as I believe in every guy in the squad," he said. "It's not fair to doubt anyone. He may not have 500-600 wickets but he has loads of wickets (310) in domestic cricket. He is different from other bowlers in that he flights the ball but is not quick in the air.

"You have to use your feet against him because his googly and slider can really fool the batsman."

With such a selection dilemma on their hands, India may well keep the Australians guessing until the captains come out for the toss on Wednesday morning.

NEW DELHI, Sunday AFP