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Bollinger looks long term

Seamer Doug Bollinger does not see the Test tour of India as his last chance to cement a place in the Australia team.

The 27-year-old left-armer is one of four players in the Australian squad hoping to make their Test debut in the four-match series; he travelled to the West Indies in June but did not play a Test.

"It's great to be in the Australian team, especially on a tour of India," Bollinger said.

"You have got to step up and face these challenges. As a cricketer you must adapt to the conditions in order to be a better bowler.

"I don't believe that it will be a make-or-break trip for me personally because I want to make something out of it and look for a long stint with the Australian team.

"We need to enjoy the role given to us to be better cricketers. That is why I am looking for all the fun that it is to be with the national team even while putting my best efforts to live up to expectations."

Doug Bollinger

Doug Bollinger is keen to use Australia's "transition phase" to win a permanent place in the side

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Bollinger feels that with Australia still striving to find replacements for Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath following their retirements, he can hold out genuine hope of earning a regular berth in the side.

"We have had a great team for the last 10 years and it would have been difficult to break in,” Bollinger added.

"But now due to the transition phase, bowlers like me can be positive."

Right-arm medium pacer Peter Siddle, who, like Bollinger, is part of the Australia A side currently in India, admitted the call-up to the senior team was a “decisive moment” in his career.

"I am ready for the challenge and to make the most of the opportunities that come my way," said the 24-year old Victorian.

Siddle played for his state against India during their tour of Australia earlier this year, a game during which he dismissed India legend Sachin Tendulkar.

He added: "I clearly remember bowling for Victoria against the visiting Indians in a three-day match. Bagging Sachin Tendulkar is one of the best things to have happened to me.

"There is no better feeling than the challenge of bowling to the likes of Tendulkar, about whom we have read for so many years, and if I were to get his wicket for my first Test victim it would be special."

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