Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile, the pacemen, have made returns to the side, along with Ashton Turner, who is uncapped at ODI level, has also been included.

Starc was ruled out after he sustained a pectoral injury during the final day of the Canberra Test against Sri Lanka. He will target a return for Australia’s subsequent series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

In the continued absence of Josh Hazlewood, the paceman who is sidelined with a back injury, Pat Cummins will serve as vice-captain to Finch, alongside Alex Carey.

Richardson and Coulter-Nile are the prime beneficiaries of all the flux. Richardson is the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing BBL season, with 22 from 11 matches at an economy of just 7.07. Coutler-Nile has recovered from back problems, and has appeared regularly for Perth Scorchers.

“Kane has been in outstanding form over the summer, including his recent performances in the BBL,” said Hohns. “Kane not only has experience playing ODI cricket for Australia, but he’s also performed well for his country when given the opportunity.

Mitchell Starc at the 2015 World Cup

Matches: 8
Wickets: 22
BBI: 6-28
Average: 10.18

Australia will be hoping he’s fit and firing come May. https://t.co/deSmuwAk5m

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 6, 2019

“Nathan Coulter-Nile provides us with another quality bowling option, he brings good energy in the field and can also score runs in high pressure situations.”

Australia and India will clash in two T20Is and five ODIs, starting with the first T20I in Visakhapatnam on February 24.

Squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Turner, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa, D’Arcy Short (cover for Shaun Marsh)