Shane Watson, James Pattinson, Mitchell Johnson and Usman Khawaja will not be considered for Australia's third Test against India in Mohali after ignoring team orders following the crushing innings defeat in Hyderabad. After the loss inside three and a half days, the coach Mickey Arthur asked every member of the squad to let him know three points on how their individual performances and those of the team could be improved.
The players were informed of the task on Tuesday night and were asked to ensure it was done by Saturday evening. Every other player completed the requirements, either by emailing or texting Arthur their points or by slipping a note under his door. However, as of Monday morning the four players, including the vice-captain Watson, had neglected to comply. Arthur, captain Michael Clarke and team manager Gavin Dovey met and discussed how to handle the situation and decided that it needed to be a "line-in-the-sand moment".
Actually it would have been easy task for Johnson & Khwaja - All they had to say was "Pick me play in the next testAvailable players: Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Phillip Hughes, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Xavier Doherty, Nathan Lyon, Brad Haddin (wk)
Doubtful: Matthew Wade (wk)
Out: Shane Watson, James Pattinson, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja