Pandya, who averages 31 with bat and ball from 11 Tests, suffered a back injury in September and his ensuing absence has proven a major selection headache for India.

The 25-year-old, who is playing a first-class fixture in Mumbai this week, claimed 5-81 in the first innings then scored 73 for Baroda in his comeback match.

The Indian Express reports that selectors are ready to dispatch Pandya to Melbourne, where the allrounder would likely take Hanuma Vihari's spot in the side if medicos are convinced he is ready for the rigours of Test cricket.

Pandya recently declared he was fully fit and ready to play at the MCG if required.

"I wanted to test my fitness in a four-day game, rather than a one-day (game), because this would exactly give me an idea of where I stand," he told The Times of India.

"There is a chance that if I do well and the team requires me, I might be picked for the third and fourth Tests in Australia."

The allrounder played a key role during India's only win on their five-Test tour of England earlier this year, scoring an unbeaten 52 in their second innings and snaring six wickets in the Trent Bridge clash.

Prior to the four-Test series opener, India captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri both admitted the tourists would miss Pandya.

"Every side would like to have a fast-bowling allrounder, which we don't have right now with Hardik injured," Kohli said.

Rohit Sharma batted at No.6 in the series opener at Adelaide Oval but suffered a back injury that prompted India to call up Vihari in Perth.

Australian Associated Press