Australia's vice-captain Alex Carey is prepared to be patient.
The sentiment applies to Carey's approach to wicketkeeping on his maiden tour of India, which starts at 1230am (AEDT) on Monday with a Twenty20 in Vizag, but also the prospect of waiting more than half-a-year to play red-ball cricket.
Carey has long been widely considered one of few automatic selections in Australia's 15-man World Cup squad.
The 27-year-old is also likely to edge Matthew Wade and be picked as the reserve keeper in Australia's Ashes squad.
But if Wade continues his strong Sheffield Shield form, it will make matters interesting, especially given Carey will have spent the better part of seven-consecutive months in white-ball mode.
Carey turned his attention to the BBL after posting an unbeaten Shield ton early in December at the SCG.
The South Australian will take part in ODI tours of India and UAE, meaning he'll miss the entire second half of the Shield season.
"It's an interesting one. You just have to be very flexible with what's coming up," Carey told AAP.
"I played two red-ball games for South Australia this season and really enjoyed it. Now I've got white-ball cricket in India to focus on.
"I don't like to think too much about selection ... but he (Wade) is obviously playing really well - he's played cricket for Australia before.
"There's some really good competition around Australia for all spots and that's only strengthening our chances for the World Cup and Ashes."
Carey has previously visited India as part of Australia A and development squads but this is his first tour with the national team.
Brad Haddin, who will be on deck throughout the tour as an assistant coach, and former Australian coach Tim Nielsen have offered some sound pointers about keeping on the subcontinent.
"We normally see lots of big runs made on their white-ball wickets. You might not touch it for 10 overs then the edge comes," Carey said.
"So it's about staying disciplined in my movements, watching the ball and being ready."
Advice about life on tour from legendary wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, after captaining Australia to their breakthrough 2004 Test series win in India, will also be at the back of Carey's mind.
"He talks about embracing the places you go; getting out and enjoying them - not just hiding away in your hotel room," Carey said.
"I'm really excited and want to take as much in as I can. We had 50,000-odd fans at the MCG last month, plenty supporting India, so playing in front of full stadiums here is going to be incredible."
