INDIANS TO WATCH

VIRAT KOHLI

Age: 30, Tests: 73

Runs: 6331

Average: 54.6

The Indian captain is the one the Aussies have to contain. Has a great record Down Under and scored four centuries in the 2014-15 series which India lost 2-0.

MURALI VIJAY

Age: 34, Tests: 59

Runs: 3933

Average: 39.3

Comes into the series having not played in the past five Tests. Gets a start because of injury to Prithvi Shaw but his record in Australia is good, having scored 482 runs in the 2014-15 Test series.

CHETESHWAR PUJARA

Age: 30, Tests: 64

Runs: 4905

Average: 49.5

Alongside Kohli, Pujara is the glue which holds the Indian top order together. Like Rahul Dravid in past Indian teams, he is tough to remove and likes batting for long periods.

RAVI ASHWIN

Age: 32, Tests: 64 Wickets: 336

Runs: 2331

Average: 29.5 (batting) 25.4 (bowl) Has struggled a little in Australia compared to his home form but is still key to this series. The battle between Ashwin and the Australian left-handers will be one to watch.

ISHANT SHARMA

Age: 30, Tests: 87 Wickets: 256

Average: 34.7 (bowling) Another Indian bowler who has not shown his best Down Under but his 2018 has been good, having taken 30 wickets in Test matches at an average of 21.9.

MOHAMMED SHAMI

Age: 28, Tests: 36 Wickets: 128

Average: 30 (bowling) Will likely share the new ball with Sharma but is just as dangerous with an older ball with his ability to create reverse swing. Has plenty of pace and aggression.