Aussies bracing for tough India series

Australia and India will face off at the WACA Ground on Tuesday in the first of eight matches between the two countries this summer.

George Bailey of the Australian cricket team

Batsman George Bailey predicts Australia's rivalry with India will be as strong as ever. (AAP)

Veteran batsman George Bailey predicts Australia's rivalry with India will be as strong as ever, despite the retirements of a host of key players since last year's World Cup.

Former captain Michael Clarke, paceman Mitchell Johnson, and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin have all retired from ODI cricket, while all-rounder Shane Watson has fallen out of favour.

In contrast, none of the Indian XI who featured in the World Cup semi-final loss to Australia have retired.

The fierce rivals will face off in five one-dayers and three Twenty20s this summer, starting with an ODI at the WACA Ground on Tuesday.

Bailey, who was overlooked for selection for most of the World Cup, said Australia were keen to maintain their edge over India.

"We've got a really big rivalry with India and it's a big deal for us to try and beat them," Bailey said..

"We've had some fierce battles, both in India and here over the last few years.

"And they play a really strong, aggressive brand of one-day cricket, in much the same mould that we do.

"We've got a great record in one-day cricket over the last couple of years, but it's a huge amount of changes for us from that World Cup final nearly 12 months ago.

"It's a changing of the guard, a lot of guys trying to find their way in the team, and some of us older guys trying to make sure we can stay in the team for as long as we can."

The WACA wicket was a huge flop during the drawn Test against New Zealand in November.

Only 28 wickets fell across the five days, with batsmen from both sides feasting on the flat deck to score a combined 1672 runs.

Bailey is confident the one-day WACA wicket won't be as one-sided.

"It might not be as bouncy as it used to be, but as far as other grounds in the country go, it's still pretty bouncy," Bailey said.

"We've had some really high-scoring games here over the last few years.

"But I always think the bowlers get pretty excited.

"They weren't much fun to face in the nets (on Sunday). I imagine they'll be licking their lips at the opportunity to get a bit of pace and bounce."


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Source: AAP



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