Welcome to the coverage of the first T20 International between Australia and India in Brisbane on Wednesday.

The mess that Australian cricket has found itself in, both on and off the field, has made India firm favourites in the compelling rivalry's latest battle, which begins with a T20 International series at the Gabba in Brisbane.

In a bid to assert themselves as favourites for the Test series, which starts December 6 in Adelaide, India would like to dominate the three T20Is.

The touring side has won their previous seven T20I series dating back to November 2017, and their last defeat in the format was against West Indies in July last year.

Not to mention, on their last visit to Australia, the Men in Blue won the T20I series 3-0. So, they will be riding high on a wave of confidence and eager to make an early mark on this trip.

Australian cricket, in contrast, has been dogged by structural reform in the wake of the ball-tampering saga in South Africa in March and it has resulted in turbulence on the field as well.

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia ruled out reducing the bans of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft in reply to a plea submission from the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA).

In the absence of Smith and Warner, Australia's results have fallen off a cliff.

Since the ban in March, the Aussies are yet to win a T20I series against an opposition of note.

India have already named their 12 for the first T20 International as captain Virat Kohli returns after being rested for the three-match home series against West Indies.

Manish Pandey has once again been sidelined as the selectors continue to repose their trust in out of form KL Rahul, who has been retained despite struggling for runs.

In England, captain Kohli batted at number four, allowing Rahul to bat at number three in light of his stupendous form in the 2018 Indian Premier League.

It will be interesting to see what position he bats at in this upcoming series.

Krunal Pandyas good showing against the Windies sees him make the cut and will play the all-rounder's role.

Among bowlers, Khaleel Ahmed keeps his place in the team and is third choice pacer along with strike bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah.

India's 12 for first T20: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma. Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul. Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar,  Japrit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal.