Playing 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 November 8, 12 days before the first Ashes Test at Perth.
“We’ll have all the guys building towards the Ashes, but everyone loves playing against India,” Marsh was quoted as told to Fox Sports.
Also read | Pat Cummins ‘less likely than likely’ to play the Ashes opener against England
Marsh added that it’ll be perfect buildup for the marquee Test series against England, playing India with whom the Australian share ‘a great rivalry’.
“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 February.
Cummins remains a doubtful for the Ashes opener at Perth starting on November 21, but Marsh is among the players who would be in fray for selection for the opening Test of the five-match series.
Published on Oct 13, 2025
