Australia vs India T20I series: 3 players who are auditioning for IPL 2019

The T20I series between India and Australia is already underway, with the first T20I having been completed at the Gabba. It was a topsy-turvy ride as the hosts eventually emerged on top by the small margin of four runs.

Despite missing the services of some of their stars players, the Australians showed patience and played with sanity, holding their nerves in the end. They were even aided by India's careless approach in the middle overs, ultimately taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

With two matches still to go, you would expect India to bounce back strongly and put up a better performance at Melbourne. On the other hand, the hosts would want to carry the momentum and go for the kill at Melbourne to clinch the series.

The series though has a lot at stake for some of the Australian players. It is a great opportunity for their key players to not only inflict a turnaround in their cricket, but also stake a claim for an IPL contract ahead of the IPL auction next month.

The likes of Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell and D'Arcy Short were recently released by their respective IPL franchises. They would now be eager to settle all the questions being raised against them in terms of their performance and recent form.

Here's a look at some of the players who are auditioning for an IPL 2019 in the ongoing series:

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#1 Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch

One of the great white-ball hitters in world cricket today, Finch has witnessed a good run of form this year, especially in the shortest format of the game. The top-order batsman, who was handed over Australia's captaincy duties after the ouster of some of the big names, has responded to the challenge in fine fashion.

With over 1600 runs this year at a strike rate nearing 158, the Aussie skipper must have been disappointed after his IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab took a decision to release him. He would love to count upon this series to get some runs under his belt before the teams pan out their plans on the auction table.

If he can chip in with few handy knocks, the IPL teams would be forced to re-consider him as a specialist overseas opener.

Finch missed out on the chance to score big in the first game, but going forward would want to lead his side from the front by contributing as much as he can with the bat.

#2 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell

One of the most explosive batsmen the world has ever seen, Glenn Maxwell has frequently disappointed his fans in recent IPL seasons. His past exploits in the tournament offer great promise and expectations, but he has failed to deliver in recent times.

With a strike rate of nearly 160, there isn't a better sight in cricket when Maxwell is at his absolute best. He is a run-away match winner in this form of the game, merely due to his ability to charge against any bowler at will.

He would see the T20I series against India as the perfect platform to send tremors in the opposition camp with a return in form. To some extent, he did exactly that with his whirlwind knock of 46 from just 24 balls in the first T20I.

This might also prove to be handy for him to earn an IPL contract after being released by Delhi Daredevils this month. He would aim to continue his good form and take his side all the way in the upcoming two matches as well.

#3 Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa

After going unsold in the previous edition of the lucrative league, Adam Zampa would hope to make it big at this year's IPL auction.

A useful leg-spinner, Zampa has done well in the recent past for his national side. One of the major contenders to take Australia's spin-bowling legacy forward in the limited overs format, Zampa would love to perform at his very best in the series against India at home.

He made an impressive start today by earning the Player of the match award in the first game with a match-defining spell of 2 for 22. He accounted for two major scalps - of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul - to leave India's middle-order in trouble.

The youngster took the onus upon himself to not only curb the flow of runs but also dent the opposition with crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.

It won't be a surprise if Zampa gets rewarded for his performance at the auction to be held in Jaipur. If he continues to perform consistently and play a major role in his team's success in T20Is, he could well land himself a lucrative contract next month.