Is it Perfect Timing for Australia to Face India Before the Ashes?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Marsh views facing India as a timely challenge.
- The ODI series starts on October 19.
- India's leadership includes Shubman Gill for ODIs and Suryakumar Yadav for T20Is.
- Last series saw Australia winning the ODI but India taking the T20I.
- Anticipation is high with sold-out tickets for the T20I at MCG.
New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) Mitchell Marsh, the captain of Australia, remarked that competing against India just before the Ashes series against England, which kicks off on November 21, offers a timely and ideal challenge. He emphasized the intense rivalry and mutual respect shared by both teams.
The white-ball tour of Australia by India begins with the ODI series opener on October 19 at Perth Stadium, followed by matches at Adelaide Oval and Sydney Cricket Ground on October 23 and 25, respectively.
Following this, a five-match T20I series will commence on October 29 at Manuka Oval in Canberra, with additional games scheduled at the MCG on October 31, Bellerive Oval in Hobart on November 2, Gold Coast Stadium on November 6, and The Gabba in Brisbane on November 8.
“All the players will be gearing up for the Ashes, but everyone enjoys playing against India. Our rivalry is strong, and we have great admiration for them as a team. The timing of facing India before the Ashes is truly perfect,” he stated in an interview with Fox Sports.
Australia aims to prepare effectively to recover from a disappointing T20 World Cup held in the Caribbean and the US, as they host India in distinct ODI and T20 series over the next three weeks.
The massive crowds from last year’s thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy showcased how captivating the rivalry between Australia and India has grown.
Notably, public ticket allocations for the men’s T20I match between Australia and India at the MCG have been completely sold out, more than two weeks ahead of the match scheduled for October 31.
During India’s last visit to Australia for an ODI series, they faced a 2-1 defeat in 2020/21 but bounced back to win the following T20I series by the same margin.
India will be led by the newly appointed Shubman Gill in the ODIs, with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also included in the squad, while Suryakumar Yadav will lead the T20I segment of the tour.