(Cricket news) India will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing performance in the Asia Cup. A series against current T20 World Champions Australia is a pretty good challenge, especially before the World Cup. India have a full strength squad apart from Arshdeep Singh who is injured and Mohammed Shami who has COVID-19. Australia on the other hand are without star bowler Mitchell Starc as well as all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis all of whom are injured while David Warner is rested. Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Daniel Sams and Cameron Green are their replacements. Warner, Starc, Stoinis and Marsh will come back for the T20 World Cup. Tim David has been called up to the squad for the first time and he is set to make his debut in the 1st match itself. 

India's possible playing XI:

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik,  Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

Bench:

Rishabh Pant, Deepak Hooda, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Deepak Chahar

The choice between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik is going to be extremely difficult but Karthik has been performing better in T20Is. India did go with Deepak Hooda in the Asia Cup Super 4s but Axar Patel will fit so much better for the balance of the team. The return of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel is incredible news. Virat Kohli is back in form after a brilliant Asia Cup and he will continue to play a very crucial role for them. KL Rahul said in his press conference that he is working on improving his strike rate which is what everyone is demanding from him. It will be interesting to see how he changes his approach. 

Australia possible playing XI:

Aaron Finch(C), Steven Smith, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, A Zampa

Bench : 

Kane Richardson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Daniel Sams

Australia are a little short without 4 of their most important players but they are not weak in any sense. The combination of 3 spinners and 3 seamers in the squad is the perfect blend for them. Steve Smith at the top of the order will give some stability and opening the batting also allows him to take a little time. Aaron Finch has now retired from ODIs and now he only has the T20Is to focus on. It is important for him to not carry his ODI form into the T20Is. Tim David is set to make his long awaited debut and it will be very exciting to watch him play as he is a serial match winner. 

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