Predicted Indian squad for Australia Tests 

India's Test series versus Australia, starting from December, is arguably India's most important fixture before the Cricket World Cup 2019, as India have a golden opportunity to create history by defeating the 'weakened' Australia in a Test series in their home soil for the first time ever. Even in the absence of Smith and Warner, Australia's best two batsmen, they do have a solid bunch of youngsters and matured players who carry the potential to upset India in their home soil. On the other hand, India too showed a good fight in South Africa and England and could achieve positive results in Australia.

The Indian selectors could have a bit of a headache selecting a fixed number of players in the Indian squad touring Australia for the four-match Test series, as they have faced a lot of criticism in the past for their team selection.

Now, let's have a look at the predicted 17-men Indian squad that will prepare to lock horns against Australia in a significant Test series later this year:

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#The Openers

Considering the Indian team selection for the Windies Tests, the selectors could stick with the same trio of openers in the squad facing Australia. Prithvi Shaw, who was handed his Test debut ahead of Mayank Agarwal, has already cemented his spot in the squad with his fine century knock, whereas KL Rahul got out for a duck in the 1st innings of the first Test. However, KL Rahul too can make a strong case for himself if he performs well in the 2nd Test match.

Similarly, Mayank Agarwal could be the backup opener for India. It would be highly unfair for Mayank if he's dropped from the squad without getting a match. Mayank has got runs in the domestic circuit in all the formats consistently and could be handed his Test debut versus Australia, in case any opener fails to score runs in the first few Test matches.

#The Middle Order

Pujara, Kohli and Rahane have been the backbone of Indian batting in Test for several years now

The selectors have no choice but to include Pujara, Kohli and Rahane. Although Pujara and Rahane haven't been as consistent as they should be, the selectors will surely include them, given their potential of performing at crucial stages.

Although Pujara hasn't done much wrong in the few recent matches, Rahane hasn't been able to find his form. If Rahane fails in the Australia tour as well, then the selectors will have to look at other alternatives. Virat has been in the red-hot form for years; his performances will have a huge role to play in the series scoreline.

#The Wicketkeeper

Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik are sure to be included in India's Test squad touring Australia.

It's almost certain that Pant and Karthik will fulfill the two spots of wicketkeeper-batsmen in the Indian squad. While Pant is a direct entry in the starting XI, Dinesh Karthik would be the backup for Pant, in case Pant suffers from any injuries.

Pant and Karthik are the only two options India can look for, as Saha is suffering from an injury and hence can't participate in the contest. Pant has impressed his fans with good knocks recently but has been faulty with the gloves at times.

#The All-rounders

Pandya, Ashwin & Jadeja, if fit, would easily make it to the Indian squad

The selector's decision while choosing the all-rounders for the team will rely upon the fitness of Hardik Pandya and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Assuming that both of them will recover from their respective injuries, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin are likely to be the three all-rounders who might find a place in the squad and in the playing XI, if the conditions are spin-friendly.

In the absence of Ashwin, Jadeja has done whatever he could to get a place in the starting XI. So, it would not be surprising at all, if India decide to play both of them in all the four Tests of the series. If Hardik Pandya becomes fit to play again, he could prove himself as a valuable all-rounder asset by performing well with the bat and the ball in the series.

#The Bowlers

This Indian bowling attack is capable of tearing any batting line-up apart

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, who were rested for the Windies tour, will be recalled for the Australian Tests. Similarly, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami, and Ishant Sharma are also likely to find a spot in the team. India have got a versatile pace bowling attack which is capable of winning the Test series for India this time with their bowling performances.

Kuldeep Yadav could find a place in the squad, but with Ashwin and Jadeja in the squad, he may not get an opportunity in the series in Australian conditions.