India's strongest Test XI for Australia tour

India lost the Test series 2-1 against South Africa and recently a disappointing 4-1 loss in Tests against England. Although India's Test team has been in a good run of form, they haven't been able to get that elusive away series victory.

They didn't learn from the South Africa Test series and repeated the selection blunders, and the lack of contribution from the batsmen cost India the series.

India didn’t have the best of records of away tours, but the current Australian side is not in their best shape. This is the ideal time for the Indian team to secure an away series victory over Australia. India will have a challenging Australian summer as they confront each other in a four-match Test series in a few months time.

Let’s have a look at the best playing eleven.

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#5 Openers - KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul

KL Rahul had a forgettable debut against Australia at Melbourne but came back with a stunning 110 at Sydney in the next match. India’s best option is to go with KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan as they are well experienced and they like pace and bounce in the wicket.

In recent past, Indian top-order batsmen haven't been consistent as they would've liked. The onus will be on Rahul to deliver in the Australian conditions. Rahul has scored his first Test ton in Australia and will be looking to replicate the same, whilst Dhawan will be looking to display his prowess.

#4 Middle order - Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane

The number 3 spot is always reserved for India's undisputed number 3 in Test Cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara. The middle order is the backbone of any Test team as they accumulate most of the runs and resist the opponents.

Virat Kohli has enjoyed a successful tour when he last visited Australia for the Test series. The Indian captain remains the key in the batting line up. A lot rides on the skipper. While Ajinkya Rahane is not having a good time in the field. He would be desperate to be back in form and show his experience and class in Australia. The Indian team will aid him to perform there.

#3 Wicket Keeper and All-rounder - Rishabh pant and Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant

Hardik Pandya has developed himself into the reliable all-rounder he is today. His ability to bowl quick in the middle overs and maintain pressure on the opposition makes him a must for the Indian Test side. However, India will be hoping he comes good with the bat and provides the much-needed stability to the side.

As far as the wicket-keeping duties are concerned, Dinesh Karthik is likely to miss the opportunity. Young Rishabh Pant has shown a lot of grit and character in his debut series against England. He is likely to reserve his spot as a wicket-keeper. India would want him to do good in the series as he speaks of India's future.

#2 Spinner - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin is apparently India's best bowler in the longer format of the game. He is also a very useful batsman who has a good technique and can build partnerships. Despite having 300 plus Test wickets, Ashwin is yet to prove his worth in overseas conditions.

Ashwin's all-round abilities will be vital for India's chances. He hasn't had a great series in England and would like to come back strong. Also, his experience and skills will be vital for India If they have to perform well in Australia.

#1 Fast bowlers - Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami

With the ability to swing the ball both ways and pick wickets early on, playing Bhuvneshwar is a no-brainer.

The biggest advantage that India has is the number of quality fast bowlers they have. They have variety in their pace attack, and each bowler has a special skill set which makes the pace attack look multi-dimensional.

Mohammad Shami is in a good run of form. When Shami is in his rhythm and gets the ball to swing late, he is one tough bowler to handle.

With his unusual action, pace and the bounce which generates off the pitch Bumrah might be that X-factor that the Indian team wanted in their bowling. Bumrah will play a key role in exerting pressure on the opposition.

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