The selectors have named an enlarged 17-man squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Western Australia all-rounder Cameron Green has earned his maiden Test call-up while the squad also sees the comeback of Victorian batsman Will Pucovski.
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Sean Abbott, Mitchell Swepson and Michael Neser are also named in what is an extended home Test squad, keeping in mind the COVID-19 restrictions.
"What we saw in the opening rounds of the Marsh Sheffield Shield were a number of players performing exceptionally well," National selector Trevor Hohns said in a media release.
"Two of those many standout players were of course Cameron Green and Will Pucovski. Their undeniable form demanded selection and we are very pleased to have these young men in the squad for what will be a tremendous Test Series against an extremely formidable opponent."
"As was the case with the white ball side we have reverted to a traditional leadership model of captain and vice-captain now we have a settled and in-form group of experienced players," Hohns added.
"Travis (Head) remains an important member of the senior leadership group and has been integral in the recent success of the side which is now ranked as the best Test team in the world. He has been a great support to Tim and is a very experienced leader."
Pucovski, who had pulled himself out of the Test side to focus on resolving mental health issues, is now back with runs in the ongoing Sheffield Shield season where he averages 247.5 right now after couple of gigantic scores to his name. The youngster will be fighting for the second opener's slot with Rory Burns, whose form hasn't been as good but remains in contention.
Both Pucovski and Burns are named in the Australia A squad for the two matches against the visiting Indians where David Warner's partner could be finalised.
"Will's record breaking start to the summer has been exceptional. His ability to show such patience is something which stands him in good stead for Test cricket and he is in rare company with two double centuries to start the summer. We very much look forward to Will developing further on the international stage," Hohns said.
As with the limited-overs set-up, Mitchell Marsh's injury has opened the doors for Green in the Test matches. The Western Australia all-rounder had been in selectors' radar for a while, with his form this season with the bat only pushing him forward in the reckoning. He has also resumed bowling upon return from injury.
"Cameron (Green) has already won selection in the white ball squad and continues that in joining the Test squad," said Hohns. "He is a wonderful young talent who has great potential to become an all-rounder of substance over time. His batting alone has demanded his place in the squad."
Wrist-spinner Swepson and fast bowler Abbott have also been named to bolster the squad while retaining paceman Neser around the main star cast, including Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson and Nathan Lyon.
"Mitch Swepson is another who has excelled and is in fine form for Queensland. He gives the side a strong second spin option to Nathan Lyon and we feel he is ready and deserving of the opportunity," said Hohns.
"Sean Abbott has also been outstanding at the start of the summer and comes in to his first Test squad as a very strong fast bowling option. Add that to his recent batting form over the last 12 months he presents a very complete package in the squad."
Cummins has been nailed down as the sole vice-captain of the side, deputising for Tim Paine.
Melbourne (December 26-30), Sydney (January 7-11) and Brisbane (January 15-19) will host the second, third and fourth Tests, respectively.
India's tour will begin with the first of three ODIs on November 27. The visitors will also play three T20Is before the focus shifts to the Test matches.
Australia Test squad: Sean Abbott, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Tim Paine (c), James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner