With an intense Border-Gavaskar Trophy behind them and a World Test Championship final well ahead, India and Australia switch formats and begin preparation for another ICC tournament, coming at the end of this year. For former winners and forever aspirants of the 50-over title, the series is an apt starting point to tune-up.
AUSTRALIA TOUR OF INDIA 2023
India, Australia begin World Cup tune-up
Steve Smith is one century away from equalling Ricky Ponting's tally of most international hundreds by a player against India © Getty
With the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel returning, India go into the series with a near full-strength squad and a chance to try different combinations in the lead up to the World Cup where they are set to play nine bilateral ODIs and an Asia Cup. Australia are missing skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, but they too have the opportunity to figure out the balance of their side in the actual World Cup conditions in India. After the three ODIs there, they have five games in South Africa before playing three more in India again in September.
Besides starting on the right note in preparation for the showpiece event at home, India also have Wankhede form to overturn. They've lost their previous three ODIs there, with their last win coming in 2011. Australia meanwhile, can take a leaf out of their 2020 performance at the venue where they
