“Australian players’ performances in IPL and their potential impact on upcoming Test matches” → Adoxh

One of the major narratives from an Australian perspective has been Warner’s form, which has provided a curious situation. His strike-rate has faced significant scrutiny amid Capitals’ poor start to the competition, but he has consistently produced runs with four fifties. While conditions in the IPL differ significantly from those that will confront him in the Tests, the strike-rate will be less of a concern come June (notwithstanding Bazball). His recent half-century, a 41-ball 57 against KKR, was much more fluent. Whatever happens over the next few matches, it’s unlikely to be dull.

Cameron Green of Mumbai Indians has hit his stride with back-to-back half-centuries with the bat against Sunrisers and Punjab Kings. The second came in defeat, but the first was part of a match-winning all-rounder display. However, the quick transition from T20 to Test cricket could provide challenges for a player who has not made that switch often. The selectors will keep an eye on his workload ahead of the WTC final and Ashes.

Mitchell Marsh, who looked impressive in the ODI series against India, has had a lean time with the bat, contributing to Capitals’ early-season struggles. However, his return to form with the ball will have helped him earn a recall for the Ashes.

Glenn Maxwell, who suffered a career-threatening injury last year, has looked very much like his old self with the bat for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has two half-centuries, one of which was a match-winner with 77 off 44 against Royals.

Marcus Stoinis of Lucknow Super Giants has put together a handy tournament, producing a brilliant 65 off 30 balls against RCB to conjure a remarkable chase of 213. He has chipped in elsewhere without quite matching that display, and in the last couple of matches, he has bowled for the first time in the season and played a key role in a relatively low-scoring affair against Royals.

Tim David of Mumbai Indians has produced some useful displays, getting them over the line in a tight chase against Capitals and helping ice a substantial target against KKR. He also had a big part to play in the field against SRH, claiming four catches, one short of the IPL record.

Nathan Ellis of Punjab Kings has continued to enhance his T20 reputation, producing a Player of the Match performance against Royals with 4 for 30 in a high-scoring game, including the key wicket of Jos Buttler. He also got the better of Australia team-mate Green at a vital moment in a contest against Mumbai Indians.

Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bangalore, whose Test career has hit the buffers over the last two years, has yet to make an appearance following his delayed arrival as he continued his recovery from the Achilles injury that ended his India tour.

Among the other Australians at the IPL, Jason Behrendorff has picked up eight wickets for Mumbai Indians, although his economy rate has touched 10 an over. Matt Short, the BBL Player of the Tournament, hasn’t quite hit his stride for Punjab Kings, although a brace of 30s showed what he can produce. In a Royals outfit featuring R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa has not found a regular starting spot and has played just twice – once as the Impact player. Matthew Wade, who is with defending champions Titans, and Daniel Sams (LSG) have yet to make an appearance.