India vs Australia 2019: 5 players who could make a difference for Australia

Australia have been going through lot of turmoil in their limited overs performances in the past 15-18 months. They have had to rebuild and think of constructing a side without many of their regular match winners and contributors missing in action.

David Warner and Steven Smith who were critical to their team's rise in the limited overs format especially post the ICC World Cup 2015. In recent times, post them getting banned for their involvement in the 'Sandpaper' scandal, Australia are feeling the vacuum left by their absence both in terms of what they bring to the table as performers but mainly on the leadership front.

Aaron Finch has had to step in and fill the rather large shoes left with Steven Smith missing in action. Australia have had to completely work out what combination would work, and in that process have selected players and ask them to play in roles that may not entirely suit them.

There have been many factors that explain Australia's recent decline in shorter versions of the game, but irrespective of that they could have been better. It was the time for some talented players to take ownership in absence of stalwarts like Steven Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Some players have serious potential and can be world class, but they just haven't been able to stitch together consistent performances over a period of time. Keeping that aside, India mustn't forget that Australia are the current World Cup holders and are a very proud and fiercely competitive cricketing nation.

In the 2 T20Is and 5 ODIs that would start from February 24th, India would know that they will start favorites as they are playing in their home conditions and also they are going through a purple patch off late under Virat Kohli's captaincy.

Australia will start as underdogs heading into this series. But that could play in their favor as that would give some of their biggest match-winners the perfect platform to express themselves and showcase their talent.

Here's a look at 5 players who could make the difference for Australia in their limited overs tour to India.

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#5 Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa is a promising leg-spinner who has managed to become Australia's number 1 option for a front line spinner in ODIs and T20Is off late. He has had a reasonably steady growth ever since making his debut for Australia.

He has managed to impress for his BBL franchise Melbourne Stars with some tidy spells which has curtailed the opposition. It is due to his performances in the BBL and for Australia that he was bought by the now defunct IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiant.

Although he didn't play too many games and didn't create that much of an impact, his experience in playing in Indian conditions will hold him in good stead. The challenge is going to be daunting - bowling to the Indian batting lineup on batting-friendly pitches.

Adam Zampa has shown enough poise, control and accuracy to get the breakthroughs for his team and make a difference for the visitors.

#4 Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon, or 'Gary' as he is fondly called by his teammates and fans, is Australia's highest wicket-taker as far as off-spinners go. For someone who came into the Aussie side and found it extremely difficult to fill in the irreplaceable Shane Warne, he has come a long way.

Nathan Lyon has improved vastly as an off-spinner by adding a lot of variety to his bowling armory and has become the one player the captain goes to when he is in search of wickets. So far, he has been able to make his presence felt in the longest format of the game.

With the World Cup coming up shortly, Australia have decided to pick Nathan Lyon as the backup spinner to Adam Zampa. It is a very good decision made by the selectors, as without the injured Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, the Australian bowling lineup lacks experience.

Nathan Lyon brings in vast experience with abundant talent and will be able to provide the much required balance that this team requires in spin friendly conditions. He would also compliment the leg-spin of Adam Zampa very well.

#3 Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh is an extremely gifted left-handed batsman who has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency for the most of his career. The southpaw is very pleasing to the eye and is equally good against fast bowlers and spinners.

He possesses a wide variety of shots and has the amazing ability of being very flexible. He can bat anywhere from number 3 to number 6 position. But looking at the composition of the current batting lineup, Shaun Marsh is ideally suited for the number 4 position.

Shaun Marsh is definitely going to add stability apart from providing the much needed leadership that this batting lineup requires. He is also coming off a strong run of form having stroked 4 centuries in his last 10 ODIs.

In the T20Is as well, Shaun Marsh has had a formidable run in the IPL for the KIngs XI Punjab franchise. So, India would know that he is the danger man and they would need to dismiss him quickly to prevent him from causing serious damage.

#2 Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis

Australia would need someone who can compliment and support their front line bowlers by reducing their workload. Marcus Stoinis can be rather skiddy and useful with his medium pacers.

Marcus Stoinis has made rather big strides since he started off mainly as a destructive lower order batsmen. He has become more responsible, confident and has increased the variety of shots both against spin and pace.

An undeniable asset for this Australian team, Marcus Stoinis can guarantee at least 7-8 overs on any given day, and can bat anywhere in the middle order. He can be extremely effective and destructive with his shot selection.

Australia need players who can change the trajectory of a T20 or ODI game and he can provide them that option. Once he sets himself, it would be very hard to put a stop to his run-scoring.

One big factor in favor of this talented all-rounder is the fact that he is coming off a very successful stint for the Melbourne Stars franchise as an opener. His brand of destruction can be tried at the top of the order to surprise the Indians.

He can surely make the difference for Australia with both bat and ball.

#1 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell

One of the biggest positives to come out of the recently concluded Big Bash League was the return to form for the extremely gifted all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, a cricketer who truly can swing the match with his mind-boggling array of shots.

The responsible manner in which he captained the Melbourne Stars and took them to the finals of the BBL was refreshing to see. Some of his critics are of the opinion that he doesn't value his wicket much and he puts a very low price on his wicket.

It is partially correct that Glen Maxwell has thrown away many starts by playing some outlandish shots which would make his captain and coach cringe. But off late, he has learnt to put his head down and has made a point to make a difference with his performances.

One observation made by many experts was about his batting position in the recently concluded ODI series that Australia lost to India. He did not have enough time at the crease at his disposal to make much of a difference.

Especially in the ODIs, Australia would want to correct that fault and ensure that Glenn Maxwell gets opportunities to make his presence felt. Australia would hope that he is fine form on this tour, and can carry it on to their World Cup defense later on.