Key Australian players might miss the T20I series against Pakistan later this year to prepare for the five-match Test series against India, starting on November 22, reported ESPNCricinfo.

Australia's multi-format stars will have up to four Sheffield Shield matches to fine-tune their skills for the Test series, with the Shield season beginning on October 8.

The availability of multi-format players for the Sheffield Shield will likely be affected by the limited-overs series against Pakistan.

The three-match ODI series against Pakistan starts on November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with subsequent matches in Adelaide and Perth on November 8 and 10, respectively.

Following the ODIs, Pakistan and Australia will also compete in a three-match T20I series from November 14-18.

Given the proximity of the T20Is to the start of the India series, only players not participating in the Test series will likely be selected for the T20Is, the ESPNCricinfo report stated.

Pakistan vs Australia ODI series schedule:

4 November: MCG, Melbourne (D/N)

8 November: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

10 November: Perth Stadium, Perth (D/N)

Pakistan vs Australia T20I series schedule:

14 November: The Gabba, Brisbane (N)

16 November: SCG, Sydney (N)

18 November: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (N)