India have arrived on Australian soil determined to upset the world champions while fine-turning their preparations ahead of hosting the Twenty20 World Cup.
Explosive opener Shikhar Dhawan hit a lively 74 in India's tour-opening victory over a West Australian XI at the WACA Ground on Friday night, before outlining his team's plans to knock Steve Smith's outfit from their perch at the top of one-day cricket.
The two nations will play five ODIs and three Twenty20s, starting with Tuesday's one-day clash at the WACA.
Dhawan is looking forward to testing himself against the world's best - even if Australia's attack is missing the injured Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, the rested Josh Hazlewood and also the searing pace of retired spearhead Mitchell Johnson.
"Of course we are quite pumped up and we are preparing well. We are just going to keep working hard and keep ourselves calm and focused for the matches to come," Dhawan said.
"Even if they were there still we would have still done what we have to do. We just focus on what we have to do and whatever we are going to face over the coming matches from their side, we are going to take it as it comes."
Dhawan pointed to the impressive showing from uncapped left-arm paceman Barinder Sran as reason to be optimistic ahead of the limited overs series.
The 23-year-old Sran claimed 2-24 in the 74-run victory on Friday and set himself up to be the surprise packet of the tour.
"It was a great boost for Bari. I feel it's a great boost for him to get two wickets in his first practice game," Dhawan said.
"In time he is going to experience and mature more. He looks very fit and strong, and like a very good prospect for the India team."
Share
