Team India's predicted XIs to play T20I and Test warm-up at the same time on Australia tour

3. Virat Kohli – T20I, Cheteshwar Pujara – Test practice match

There is hardly any ambiguity over Captain Kohli’s sure-shot selection into the T20I side. If at all there were any, his superb batting form from the IPL (415-runs @ SR of 125) are certain to dispel them away. Although in recent years, Virat has assigned priority to the longer format, which does warrant a case of him playing the warm-up match instead. But considering the top-ranked opposition, they’ll be up against; it seems more likely that he will lead the team in the shortest format.

Consequently, this will allow Cheteshwar Pujara, the senior Saurashtra red-ball pro, to walk into the test-side at his preferred, one-down position. The Man of the Series from the previous edition, it is of vital importance that Pujara rediscovers his White Walker-esque form from the last time around that saw him single-handedly trounce the Aussies in their own backyard.

Having played his last competitive cricket match nearly nine-months prior, the team will be desperate to give Pujara some game-time ahead of the big series.