Former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (batting) could possibly play as a specialist batsman today. Picture: GETTY IMAGES
The suspensions of four players mean skipper Michael Clarke is approaching Australia's third Test against India with one hand tied behind his back, and his wicketkeeper could be hobbling on one leg.
Clarke, coach and selector Mickey Arthur and selector-on-duty Rod Marsh have a list of 13 names from which to pick an 11 for today's match and gloveman Matthew Wade is in doubt because of an ankle injury.
Wade was due to train with the squad in Mohali late yesterday and Clarke said he wouldn't name a side until the coin toss.
Former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who has been flown over to be on standby for Wade, could possibly play as a specialist batsman today.
Clarke is floating the possibility of both wicketkeepers playing in the match with No.4 Shane Watson and back-up batsman Usman Khawaja among the four players suspended for failing to complete a homework assignment.
The other two banned players - Test quick James Pattinson and reserve paceman Mitchell Johnson - were both likely to have played in Mohali.
Pattinson is the side's leading wicket- taker in the series with eight in losing teams in the first two Tests, while Johnson had been due for a recall on a pitch where he took a five-for in 2010.
On a pitch expected to offer more assistance to the quick bowlers than the Chennai and Hyderabad tracks, Australia has only two frontline pace bowlers available - Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc. If Wade is passed unfit then there are only 12 names left, including spinner Nathan Lyon, who was dropped for the second Test.