Australia vs India 2018-19: 6 batsmen for whom this series is a make or break

The much-awaited contest between India and Australia is all set to start in a few days, and it has already lived up to the expectations with the T20 series between the giants of the game going down to the wire. So one can expect high octane action from the Test essay that is being scheduled next.

The last series down under was an emotional one for the home team with the tragic passing away of their batsman Phillip Hughes, and this is amidst the turmoil that the Australian cricket is currently both on and off the field. This has to be one of their weakest in history as the batting line up looks jaded with the absence of Steve Smith, and David Warner.

India, on the other hand, looks strong on paper, and this is their best chance yet to win a series down under, but one can't write the hosts off as they have a strong bowling comprising of fit-again Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Peter Siddle which has the capability to run through any top order.

This series is important for many players if they are to cement a permanent place in the team on either side. Here are 5 such players for whom this series will be a make or break.

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#6 Aaron Finch

He has had a decent debut

Aaron Finch is Australia's latest debutant in the Test arena. He had to wait for a long period of time to get a chance in the game's longest format, and the absence of regulars prompted the selectors to give the ODI veteran his first Test cap in the tour of Pakistan in the UAE.

There was no question about his talent but his temperament was the one which didn't win him a Test call-up, till very recently. He needs to make most of this opportunity given, and there is no better team than India against whom he can make a mark in the longest format of the game.

#5 Ajinkya Rahane

Can we see the old Jinks back

The Indian vice-captain needs to have a great series if he has any hopes of having a permanent Indian middle order. His place in the side is safe so far but it could change if he continues to struggle. He has not scored a century since his ton against Sri Lanka in 2017.

Rahane has since then lost his place in the ODIs and didn't have a single good series for more than two seasons now. India's most dependable batsman overseas along with Murali Vijay over the years but has subdued returns in the last few overseas tourneys.

This is the best possible chance for Rahane to prove his worth to the team against a depleted but still dangerous Australian team. One may feel that his time may be running out if he has another poor series down under. He could be still in the world cup scheme of things if he has a good one.

#4 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma

The super talented and a legend in the making as far the limited overs cricket is concerned has had a start-stop career so far in the Test arena. There is no dearth of talent or technique in Rohit to not perform in the red ball cricket but so far the real Rohit Sharma has not arrived in the Test stage.

It took time for him to get into the groove in the international cricket and could be a similar story for him in Tests as well. Australia has been his favourite opponents across formats, and this could be a perfect re-entry for Rohit Sharma in Test cricket.

His record so far has been decent but the fact that he has not done enough justice to his talent even after a number of opportunities at the Test level frustrates everyone concerned. Australia has been his ideal place for scoring runs in the past and one can hope that trend would continue this time too.

#3 Shaun Marsh

The older Marsh

The senior most player in the Australian team is all set to bat at number 3 slot for the side after the team's decision to make Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch open the innings. He has been in stupendous for his domestic team for more than 3 years.

While he has struggled a little in the Test format in the last couple of years, the 35-year-old left-hander has been prolific this year in ODI's with three centuries to his name. His frequent injury woes have been a major reason for his limited appearances for Australia over the years and have been in and out of the side regularly.

The talented batsman is now a vital member in the side and his contributions are invaluable now more than ever. Many Australian cricketers, particularly batsman, come to their own in their mid 30's and so could be the case with Shaun Marsh who has had a mixed so far.

#2 KL Rahul

He needs to come good

KL Rahul is a great player to watch when he is in full flow. He made his international debut in last India's tour of Australia where he scored his maiden Test century at Sydney and made everyone notice his talent. Since then, he has been a mainstay in the team all this while.

However, his returns have diminished over the past series across formats and could be facing an axe just like Rahane. The talented right-hander has had an inconsistent career so far with an innings of sheer brilliance coming once in a while. He is now a senior in the team and should be the one guiding young Prithvi Shaw taking the Indian cricket forward.

He needs to make most of his talent in the coming series to keep a place secured given that the top order is too crowded now and if he doesn't do well then they are many who are waiting in the wings.

#1 Murali Vijay

The Monk has been one of the consistent batsmen for India in overseas conditions along with Rahane and Virat Kohli before the start this season. But since South Africa tour, Murali Vijay has struggled to even get past half century and subsequently getting drooped midway during England tour.

After the disappointment, he redeemed himself by scoring heavily in the county cricket in England and surged his way back to the team after his former opening partner Shikhar Dhawan got dropped from the Test squad. He might have not been playing in the opening Test match had Prithvi Shaw not got injured during the practice match in which Vijay scored a quickfire century.

This inning would have done a whole lot of good for Vijay's confidence ahead of the series opener and will return to a place where he has done well in the past. This is a sure shot knockout for Vijay in his career.