Captaincy is clearly agreeing with Steve Smith. Likewise Virat Kohli.
Smith couldn't have made a more emphatic statement in his first hit on Australia's tour of India. The skipper retired on 107 during day one of the tourists' three-day clash with India A in Mumbai.
The pitch in Pune, where the four-Test series starts on Thursday, won't be nearly as friendly. India A's attack was also nowhere near as potent as that boasted by the top-ranked Test side.
But it was the reassuring knock that Smith's side so dearly needed, having slipped to 2-55 in their only tune-up for Test cricket's mission improbable.
Smith's rapid rise since becoming the nation's youngest Test captain since Kim Hughes has been nothing short of remarkable.
The 27-year-old's batting average as Test captain is a stunning 73.73, compared to 51.83 without the responsibility.
Smith led from the front on Friday, making run-scoring look remarkably easy as is his wont. As noted by Shaun Marsh, who also retired after posting a ton, it has a major impact on teammates.
"It certainly does calm your nerves. He's a fantastic player and his record speaks for itself," Marsh said.
"It's always nice to bat with him .. he batted really well. Again."
Kohli, who has produced a double-century in each of his past four Test series, has also made impressive improvements as captain.
Kohli's average was 41.13 prior to replacing MS Dhoni as India's skipper - it is now 67.22.
The abilities of Smith and Kohli to take their game to another level hasn't been lost on Joe Root, recently appointed England captain.
"They've gone on to bigger and better things and taken their game to the next level. I don't see why I can't look at it in the same light," Root said.
Coupled with the fact both Smith and Kohli have had a couple of spats in recent years, it sets the stage for an engaging battle within the battle over the next six weeks.
The importance of Smith - as a batsman and a leader - can't be understated as Australia attempt to snap a nine-Test losing streak in Asia and dream of inflicting India's second Test series loss at home in 12 years.
The same can be said of Kohli.
"He's obviously a world-class player and he's been batting extremely well," Smith said upon arrival in India.
"He's a big player for India."
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