Follow UsAustralia’s stand-in ODI captain, Mitchell Marsh, has said that the upcoming white-ball series against India is ‘ideal’ preparation for the Ashes series at home later this year. The Australian team is scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is against India between October 19 and November 8. Marsh believes this series comes at the perfect time for the team to build form and confidence.
“We’ll have all the guys building towards the Ashes, but everyone loves playing against India,” Marsh told Fox Sports.
“We’ve got a great rivalry and great respect for them as a team. It’s literally perfect timing to be playing against India in the lead-up to an Ashes series. It’s going to be massive.”
Marsh is currently leading the Australian side in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a wrist injury. Meanwhile, India will be welcoming back senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have not played in recent international matches. Their return is expected to boost India’s performance and make the series more competitive.
The ODI matches will be held in Melbourne on October 19, Adelaide on October 23, and Sydney on October 25. The five-match T20I series will follow, giving both teams enough match time to test combinations and strategies.