Dean Jones says Oz decision to pick four pacers for Chennai Test ``grave mistake``

Sydney: Former batsman Dean Jones has claimed Australia``s decision to play four fast bowlers against India in the first Test in Chennai is a grave mistake, adding if the tourists fail to score 400-plus in their first innings they stand no chance of winning the match.

Jones, Australia``s batting hero in the famous tied Test at this very ground in 1986, also questioned the early unveiling of the tourists`` XI for the series opener, saying Moises Henriques`` debut should have been kept under wraps, News.com.au reports. Captain Michael Clarke has staunchly defended the selectors`` decision to opt for a pace quartet, with Australia sticking to their strengths in a boom-or-bust plan to exploit variable bounce and reverse swing. Jones believes the Australians could rue naming only one recognized spinner in Nathan Lyon. Jones said Clarke says it``s no gamble to play four quicks because this is their strength that they are going in with their strength but it``s not the right call. Jones added eleven of the top 12 wicket-takers on this ground are all spinners, so you can``t fight what the ground offers, this is what the ground does, it will turn, you want guys to bowl tight and take your catches. The former batsman added you don``t make over 400 runs in the first innings, you are gone on this wicket, you are definitely gone, therefore, so it will come down to the batting. Jones said a key sign the Chennai pitch will turn sharply is inconsistencies in the colour of the wicket, most notably around the batting crease at both ends. Jones, who scored 3631 runs from 52 Tests at 46.55, expressed surprise at Australia naming their starting XI two days before the Test. Meanwhile, Australia has won the toss and elected to bat in the Chennai Test. ANI