AUSSIES TO WATCH

TIM PAINE

Age: 33. Tests: 15

Runs: 765

Average: 38.25

Turns 34 during the Adelaide Test. Is under increasing pressure as the hosts look to turn things around after a miserable year on and off the field.

AARON FINCH

Age: 32. Tests: 2

Runs: 181

Average: 45.25

Has been a star in the shorter form and now looking to take that into Test cricket. Had a decent series against Pakistan and his battle against India’s new-ball bowlers will be key.

MARCUS HARRIS

Age: 26. Tests: 0 Runs (first class): 4153

Average (first class): 35.49 A Justin Langer protege, Harris has been full of runs in the Sheffield Shield this season for Victoria, including a career-changing unbeaten 250 against NSW.

MITCHELL STARC

Age: 28. Tests: 45 Wickets: 186

Average (bowling): 28.52 Starc is closing in on 200 Test wickets and if he has a good series should get there against India. Starc’s battle with the visitors’ top order should be interesting all series.

PAT CUMMINS

Age: 25. Tests: 14 Wickets: 66

Average (bowling): 23.81

A vital cog in the Australian team. His runs could be as crucial as his bowling. Will love getting back to the bouncier wickets where his short bowling will be key against the Indian tail.

NATHAN LYON

Age: 31. Tests: 80 Wickets: 318

Average (bowling): 32.21 Arguably the key bowler for the Aussies against an Indian batting line-up that plays spin especially well. His battle with Virat Kohli and Co will be intriguing.