Victorian spinner Todd Murphy is tipped to earn a call-up into the Australian Test squad to tour India next month, while Western Australian wicket-keeper Josh Inglis looks set to miss the cut.
Australia are expected to announce their 18-man squad to travel abroad sometime this week, with a majority of the squad that led an undefeated run on home soil over the summer to again play a leading part in the critical four-Test series.
Attention has turned toward spin bowling however, with selectors likely to call on further reinforcements to combat spin-friendly Indian pitches.
Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon is set to lead the charge once again, while left-armer Ashton Agar is seen likely to retain his place in the Test squad despite a disappointing SCG appearance.
According to The West Australian, Murphy, who has enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Sheffield Shield, firms as an inclusion for Andrew McDonald's squad.
Murphy recently earned high praise from former Australian cricketer Kerry O'Keefe, who compared the 22-year-old to Lyon off the back of his scintillating red-ball form.
“I think he's the best off-spinner I've seen come through since Nathan [Lyon],” O'Keefe told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“It's a big call, but I stand by it and I think I'll be proven right over the next 12 months.”
Queenslander Mitchell Swepson is also in the frame to be on the flight to India, joining the likes of Murphy and Agar to potentially partner Lyon.
Agar is set to be one of three Western Australians to feature in the squad, with all-rounder Cam Green to be named despite currently nursing a broken finger, while paceman Lance Morris will also keep his spot in the squad despite going unused in Sydney.
One WA native who won't be heading to India is Inglis, according to The West Australian, with Australia to call on in-form Victorian Peter Handscomb as their second-string gloveman behind Alex Carey.
Handscomb's current Sheffield Shield season tally of 571 runs at an average of 81.57 has him primed for a spot in the squad, with his ability behind the stumps strengthening his prospects.
Carey is expected to be joined by incumbents Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Lyon in also making the tip to India.
Matthew Renshaw will also be in the frame after returning to Test duties through the SCG Test last week, while Scott Boland, Henry Hunt and Marcus Harris may also be considered.
The first Test of the series will commence in Nagpur on February 9.
