Playing the ODI series against India is perfect timing in the lead-up to the Ashes series, believes Australia’s stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh.
Australia will host India for three ODIs and five T20Is starting October 19. The white-ball series ends on November 8, 12 days before the first Ashes Test in Perth.
“We’ll have all the guys building towards the Ashes, but everyone loves playing against India,” Marsh told Fox Sports.
Marsh added that it would serve as perfect preparation for the marquee Test series against England, especially with Australia set to face India, a side it shares a long-standing rivalry with.
“We’ve got a great rivalry and great respect for them as a team. I think it’s literally perfect timing to be playing against India in the lead-up to an Ashes series. It’s going to be massive.”
The ODI series will also mark the international return of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom last featured for India in March.
While regular Test captain Pat Cummins remains doubtful for the Ashes opener, Marsh is among the contenders for selection in the first Test of the five-match series.
