No Ishant Sharma; no Virat Kohli [after the first Test] and no word yet on the fitness of Rohit Sharma; enough reason for the Indian team management to have concerns for their first-ever overseas day-night Test (December 17).

The absence of senior-most pacer Ishant will put additional responsibility on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami as the duo will again play a pivotal role in helping Team India defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah (21) and Shami (16) claimed 37 wickets between them during the historic series win Down Under in 2018-19. Ishant claimed 11 wickets in three Tests. Australia's star batsman Steven Smith said they are ready to exploit India's not-so-strong bowling attack.