Australia Playing 11 vs India- 1st Test, India tour of Australia 2024

Australia will host India in a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starting November 22 in Perth which marks the first five-Test series between these nations since 1991/92.

The home team is seeking to end their drought against India after having lost their last four Test series. Most concerning for the hosts are two consecutive series losses on home soil with their last home victory against India coming back to 2014/15.

Australia's squad appears settled, though they'll miss all-rounder Cameron Green who's sidelined following back surgery. The team will rely heavily on their experienced core, including captain Pat Cummins and batters like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

The timing appears favorable for the home team with visitors still reeling from a recent 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand, ending their 12-year unbeaten home record. India will also be without captain Rohit Sharma for the Perth Test while Shubman Gill is ruled out with a thumb injury.

AUS Squad

Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (Wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (Wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

Also read: India Playing 11 vs Australia- 1st Test, India tour of Australia 2024

Australia Playing 11 vs India- 1st Test, India tour of Australia 2024

Openers: Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja

Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja are likely to open against India. McSweeney will take over the opening spot from Steve Smith as he is likely to move down. Over the past two years, he has averaged 42.25 in First-Class cricket including six centuries.

Usman Khawaja will partner McSweeney is entering the final phase of his career and would be eager to make a strong impact but 2024 hasn't been his best year, with an average of 30 in five Tests.

Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (Wk)

Labuschagne has done well at Optus Stadium and averages 103 in three Tests with three centuries, including a double ton. Despite a dip in 2024, he remains crucial for the middle order. Smith returns to No. 4 where he has averaged 65 against India and 88 at Optus, including an unbeaten 200.

Head’s aggressive style makes him a perennial threat, while Marsh, doubling as the fourth pacer is expected to deliver at Optus. Carey must step up with the bat and gloves in this high-stakes series.

Bowlers: Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc

Cummins is in his first home series as skipper against India. He has performed well at Optus Stadium with 12 wickets in four Tests at 20.16.

Mitchell Starc, who has 23 wickets in four Tests at Optus at an average of 19, will look to improve his record against India, where he averages 38.54.

Nathan Lyon, Australia's leading spinner, has 121 wickets against India, including nine five-wicket hauls. While Josh Hazlewood's control and 51 wickets in 15 Tests will challenge India's top order