Lyon backs Haddin, Watson to perform

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has thrown his support behind Shane Watson and Brad Haddin after the pair's lean run with the bat continued in Brisbane.

No.3 batsman Watson has a high score of 33 in the Test series against India and again failed to go on after getting a start in the first innings at the Gabba then was out for a duck in the second.

Veteran wicketkeeper Haddin has made just 66 runs in his past eight innings.

"Shane is a world-class batter and I can guarantee that he's being positive in his thinking," said Lyon on Melbourne on Monday ahead of the third Commonwealth Bank Test at the MCG starting on Friday.

"I'm pretty sure he can come out and score some runs, as can Brad Haddin, who everyone thinks is under pressure as well.

"Brad's his normal self. He's a great leader ... I'm sure he'll be able to get some runs when we need him too."

"He hasn't had the best run of luck in this Test match series, but if you look back at the last series (Ashes) here in Australia he saved us in every Test match."

While his struggles continued with the bat, Lyon believes Watson underlined his importance as an all-rounder with some long, if luckless, bowling spells in the second Test.

"We talk about bowling in partnerships and I think a lot of credit (for the win) has to go to Watto," he said.

"I know a lot of people don't see it that way - he got one wicket in the first and none in the second - but the way he held together one end there and created pressure allowed us to take wickets from the other end.

"I'm pretty sure he can bowl a lot worse than that and come out and take five-for."

Australia's batting line-up will take on a new look with Queensland's Joe Burns to make his debut in the Boxing Day Test in place of injured Mitch Marsh and Lyon is confident the right-hander has the technique and patience to grasp his opportunity.

Ryan Harris is a strong chance to return to Australia's attack after bowling strongly in the nets in Brisbane as he continues to recover from the quadriceps injury that kept him out of the second Test.

Lyon said that Peter Siddle had also bowled well as he tries to push his claim for inclusion in the 11 for the Boxing Day Test where the Aussies can take a 3-0 series lead.