The series could provide match practice, or serve as an audition, for a couple of back-up players likely to be picked in the Test squad

Speaking of the India A team poised to tour Australia, either Ruturaj Gaikwad or Abhimanyu Easwaran could lead the team. Easwaran scored a brilliant unbeaten 127 against Uttar Pradesh in the second innings and is touted to fill in for Rohit Sharma, who is set to miss the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India will have a keen eye on its upcoming tour of Australia as it takes on New Zealand in a three-test series starting in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Ishan Kishan, who was dropped from BCCI central contracts earlier this year due to concerns that he was 'prioritising' the cash-rich IPL over domestic cricket, will make his return to the India A team.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently leading Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy. He has played quite a lot of red-ball cricket recently. The right-handed batter was also the captain of India C in the Duleep Trophy.

Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead India A against Australia A in crucial matches, featuring top-order batters eyeing Test selection.

Ishan Kishan is set to return to the national team fold with India A's tour of Australia. Kishan, who has been playing in the domestic competitions has done well since his return from personal break.