Shaun Marsh : We know what to expect from Ashwin and Jadeja
Shaun Marsh has said the Australian team knows exactly what to expect from the Indian spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the upcoming four-match Test series. Marsh got off to a good start to the tour with a century against India A at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
The 33-year-old was involved in a 155-run partnership with captain Steve Smith, before the latter, who also scored a century, decided to retire to allow the batsmen to follow the opportunity to get some much-needed practice on Indian wickets. Marsh also retired after scoring a hundred.
The India A team had only one spinner in Krishnappa Gowtham for the three-day game and the off-break bowler was sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained while fielding. However, Marsh said that the Australians know what to expect from Ashwin and Jadeja so it was good for the team to spend some time in the middle.
"Any time you get to spend in the middle, it always helps. We know what we're expecting against (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja. It's about getting as much out from this game as possible as batters and being confident to go next week," Marsh was quoted as saying by PTI.
"It was just good to be able to spend some time out in the middle. Everyone got a bit out of it today, which was great. Hopefully, we can continue that over the next couple of days and make sure we're ready to go next week.
"It's a place where I've always enjoyed coming and playing. I always find it a really good challenge. This Test series is going to be a really good challenge for us as well, coming up against a quality opposition. It's going to be a great series for everyone."
Marsh, who was preferred over Usman Khawaja for the warm-up game, has played a lot of cricket in India over the years in the limited-overs' format.
"I've played a lot of cricket over here, whether it is one-day cricket or IPL cricket or Test cricket in Sri Lanka. So, I feel comfortable out there. I know it's going to be a good challenge, and I just want to enjoy it.
"India are playing really good cricket at the moment, got some world-class bowlers. It's going to be a really good challenge for our batters, we're looking forward to it.
"Yes, as individuals and as a team, it always gives you a bit of confidence when you have a good day in a warm-up game. It was nice personally to spend some time out in the middle. Smithy batted really well, and all the other batters got a bit out of it as well. So, it was a good day."
Although Marsh made his Test debut in 2011, the left-hander has only played 19 Tests and is yet to play one in India. He has scored two centuries and a fifty in the three Tests that he played in Sri Lanka in 2011 and last year.
"I haven't played Test cricket over here yet. But they'll take