What would an Indian Ocean task group contain?

What would a Royal Navy task group in the Indian Ocean have been made of?

Probably two or three third rates, possibly a few more, with the rest made up of fourth rates, frigates or other fifth rates, and brigs.

A plausible Indian Ocean squadron would have a few third rates supported by fourth rates, frigates, and brigs. The estimate allows two or three third rates and possibly a few more. Fourth rates were cheaper to crew and useful on distant stations, while the largest ships were needed against the main enemy fleets nearer home. This distribution helps explain why fourth-rate-looking ships seemed plausible in an overseas convoy.