With Hardik Pandya not in the Test squad, Nitish Kumar Reddy is the only pace-bowling all-rounder in the team for the five-match Test series.

Team India, under coach Gautam Gambhir, gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia at Perth’s WACA on 22. The pace-friendly pitch could see young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy make his Test debut as India seeks a balanced lineup.

India and Australia are set to clash in a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, crucial for both teams' ICC World Test Championship final hopes. India, aiming for a hat-trick of WTC final appearances, face a must-win situation after a home series loss to New Zealand.