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Published 07 Sep, 2012 12:53pm

Australia strengthen bowling for second T20

All-rounder Dan Christian, spinner Brad Hogg and paceman Mitchell Starc have been inducted into the Australian squad for the second T20 against Pakistan at the Dubai Cricket Stadium

The changes come after Pakistan handed the Aussies their heaviest-ever defeat by the margin of balls remaining. Australia were routed for 89 in the first T20 which was chased by the home team with seven wickets and 31 deliveries in hand.

Glenn Maxwell, Ben Hilfenhaus and spinner Xavier Doherty have been dropped but captain George Bailey insists the runs must come from the top-order.

Ninth-ranked Australia could fall even further -- below Ireland -- if Pakistan sweep the three-match series but Bailey says he believes his side has the gut to comeback and even be a strong contender in the upcoming World T20.

“But in terms of the group we've got together and what we're capable of, it certainly hasn't altered my thoughts that we can still be a very good team,” Bailey said after the first T20.

“I still think we can win it. I certainly don't think we'd win if we played like we did today."

Meanwhile, vice-captain Shane Watson echoed the sentiments of many experts in Pakistan by tipping Brad Hogg to play a big role in the remaining matches.

The ‘chinaman’ Hogg has troubled Pakistan in the past.

“He certainly is a wicket-taking bowler,” Watson said of the 41-year-old.

“There's no doubt the wicket is only going to turn more.”

Australia: George Bailey (capt), Shane Watson, David Warner, Mike Hussey, David Hussey, Cameron White, Matthew Wade, Dan Christian, Brad Hogg, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc.

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