Melbourne
Much before the series could get underway, the Australians, known for their out of the box thinking are playing mind games, focusing on the absence of skipper Virat Kohli.
However, there has been mixed reaction about the absence of the top class cricketer Kohli, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, believes his (Kohli's) absence in the last three Tests of the upcoming series doesn't necessarily make Australia favourites to lift the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as the visitors boast of a lot of superstars in its team.
On the other hand Justin Langer, the Australian coach believes that it would give the host advantage.
India captain Kohli will leave after the opening Test in Adelaide as he has been granted paternity leave by the BCCI to be with his actor wife Anushka Sharma for the birth of their first child in early January.
Test specialist Lyon said he is disappointed to get a limited opportunity to get a crack at Kohli, who is considered one of the best batsmen in the world.
"It's disappointing for the series. You want to play against the best players in the world. I believe he is the best player in the world along with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. It's disappointing but they have still got superstars.
"Look at Pujara, Rahane, and they have also got a couple of young guys coming in. It's still going to be a massive challenge for us," Lyon was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
"Just because Virat's not here doesn't mean we get to hold the trophy up. We've still got a lot of work to do, a lot of homework to do," he added.
India''s tour of Australia comprises three ODIs, as many T20 Internationals and four Tests. The series begins on November 27. The Tests start on December 17 in Adelaide.
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