Australia’s stand-in ODI skipper Mitchell Marsh has described the upcoming white-ball tour of India as an ideal lead-up to the 2025–26 Ashes. The series, which begins on October 19 and ends on November 8, features three ODIs and five T20Is. It wraps up less than two weeks before the opening Ashes Test in Perth, giving the Australians a timely competitive boost.
Marsh, stepping in for the injured Pat Cummins, stressed the value of facing top-ranked India right before the Ashes. He believes that such a high-quality contest will help the team prepare both strategically and mentally for England.
“We’ll have all the guys building towards the Ashes but everyone loves playing against India,” Marsh said.
“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,” he added.
A Timely Test Against a Strong Opponent
The upcoming fixtures give Australia the chance to build rhythm, test new combinations, and sharpen match awareness. Taking on India right before the Ashes creates a pressure environment similar to what they’ll face against England.
Adding to the significance of the series is the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who haven’t featured in international cricket for several months. The ODI leg will be played in Melbourne (October 19), Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25), followed immediately by the T20I matches.
Building Momentum Before the Ashes
Australia’s preparation for the Ashes will benefit from this competitive tour. Marsh underlined how the India-Australia rivalry makes it an ideal platform to fine-tune strategies and build momentum.
Beyond preparation, the series is also a chance to strengthen team chemistry, adapt to match intensity, and finalize playing roles. For Australia, this isn’t just another bilateral series — it’s a crucial springboard into the Ashes.
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