The third Test of the four match series between India and Australia will be played at Western Australia Cricket Association Ground (WACA), Perth, from January 13, 2012.

The Kangaroos have their tails up after beating the visitors in the first two Tests at Melbourne and Sydney. They will enter the third match with a 2-0 lead which has boosted their confidence already and will try to seal the fate of the series in their favour by winning it.

India will be striving hard for their survival in the series by repeating their performance of January, 2008, when they beat the home side by 72 runs. Their batsmen have to come out in the centre with the winning spirit while forgetting their performance in the previous two Tests which has become a history now.

We will highlight the batsmen from the both side who can make a difference in the third game at Perth with a bird’s eye view of their career and performance in the previous two Tests.

India

Sachin Tendulkar

He is the most threatening batsman of the world who has the ability to stun the rival bowlers on his day. He the highest run scorer in both formats of the game and has performed well in the current series as well. The right hand batsman is just a ton away from his 100th hundred and there is every possibility of achieving the milestone at Perth.

The little master has played 186 Tests, thrashed 15409 runs at an awesome average of 56.03, the best of unbeaten 248 with 51 centuries and 65 fifties.

The 38-year-old is leading the Indian batsmen in the current series with 226 runs averaging 56.50, the best of 80 with two fifties.

Rahul Dravid

He is considered as the wall of Indian batting and has proved it time and again with his composed batting. He is the second highest run scorer in Tests in the all-time ranking and knows how to create solid foundation for the team by his individual performance.

The 39-year-old has played 162 Tests, smashed 13206 runs at a superb average of 52.82, the best of 270 with 36 hundreds and 63 fifties.

Dravid has yet to prove his worth in the on-going series, scored 112 runs averaging 28.00 with the best of 68 runs.

VVS Laxman

He is a solid middle order batsman and knows how to craft his innings even in the difficult situations. He has been a consistent performer for India throughout his career, lacks determination in the recent series but has the ability to bounce back.

The 37-year-old has taken part in 132 Tests, scored 8697 runs, the best of 281 with 17 hundreds and 56 fifties.
Laxman is going through a lean period in the series and could manage 71 runs at a drained average of 17.75 in four innings with the best of 66 runs.

Virender Sehwag

He is among one of the best openers in the game and believes in attack from the word go. He has played many vital games for the country and will be a centre of attraction in the coming encounter.

The right hand batsman has taken part in 94 matches, scored 8088 runs at a high average of 51.51, the best of 319 with 22 centuries and 31 fifties.

The 33-year-old has scored 108 runs at an average of 27.00 with the best of 67 runs.

Australia

Ricky Ponting

The ex-Captain is the most experienced batsman of Australia and founds himself at the no.3 spot in the world ranking of the highest scorers. He is supposed to be a pillar of the Aussie batting and has proved his worth in his 17 years career.
The master blaster has played 160 Tests, blasted 12912 runs at an exceptional average of 52.70, the best of 257 with 40 tons and 60 fifties.

The 37-year-old has contributed 256 runs in the current series at a fancy average of 85.33 runs, the best of 134 with two fifties.

Michael Clarke

He is a jubilant Captain of the Australian side and always tries to lead from the front. He is a compatible top order batsman who has the ability to negotiate any type of bowling irrespective of the venue.
The 30-year-old has been involved in 78 Tests, scored 5644 runs at an average of 48.65, the best of unbeaten 329 with 18 centuries and 21 fifties.

Clarke is the highest scorer in the series with 361runs at an exceptional average of 180.50 with the best of unbeaten 329 runs.

Michael Hussey

He is the most prolific run getter for Australia in the middle order and has the ability to take the team out of crises with his individual performance.

The left hand batsman has taken part in 68 Tests, scored 5435 runs at a premium average of 51.76, the best of 195 with 16 hundreds and 27 fifties.

He is among the top scorer in the series with 239 runs at a superfine average of 119.50, the best of unbeaten 150 with one fifty.

David Warner

He is a dashing young opener who is emerging fast in the longer version of the game by his attacking style. Australia has high hopes from the talented batsman and has done quite well in his limited career.

He has played just four Tests, scored 203 runs at a reasonable average of 40.60 with the best of unbeaten 123 runs.
The 25-year-old has yet to deliver his best in the series and managed 50 runs in three innings at an average of 16.66 with the best of 37 runs.