Ranking the current Indian batsmen by their Test average in Australia

#4 Cheteshwar Pujara

Average 33.5, Runs 201, Matches 3, Innings 6, 100s 0, 50s 1, HS 73

India need Cheteshwar Pujara to hold the fort

Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been prolific in his Test career at home, has struggled in Australian conditions.

In 6 innings in Australia, he averages a paltry 33.5 with a best of 73. This batting average is certainly below-par for a player who thrives on technique and temperament.

If India are to perform better than they did last time around, they would want their number 3 to not only grind out the opposition bowling but to consistently score big runs.

#3 Ajinkya Rahane

Average 57, Runs 399, Matches 4, Innings 8, 100s 1, 50s 2, HS 147

Ajinkya Rahane will be looking to play aggressively

The Indian vice-captain has enjoyed batting in Australia and is one of the three current batsmen to average 50+ there. Ajinkya Rahane has a good average of 57 in 8 innings, scoring a hundred and 2 50s, with a best of 147 during the boxing day test at Melbourne in 2014. Rahane's game perfectly suits the Australian conditions as vindicated by his impressive strike rate of 63 which is the best among the current Indian batsmen in Australia.