India-Australia ODI series | a golden opportunity for both teams to try out their combinations before the World Cup

India-Australia cricket matches bring out the best in both sides. Ahead of the World Cup, they face off in a 3-match ODI series, giving players a chance to make a statement and teams to finalise their best eleven. India's Asia Cup triumph was authoritative, while Australia's Marnus Labuschagne shone in South Africa. With the return of Pat Cummins and Steve Smith, the series is eagerly awaited.

The Ashes, it isn’t. The intensely grudge face-off between two passionate, neighbouring nations it isn’t, either. But when India takes on Australia on a cricket field, strange things could happen. A Greg Matthews could bowl a ball that would produce a tied Test, only the second in history.

A Washington Sundar, on debut, could hook Pat Cummins for a six that would change the course of the most audacious chase you could imagine. A Sachin Tendulkar could conjure up two back-to-back masterly hundreds that would storm the deserts.

Australia and India often bring the best out of each other. The match between them on October 8 at Chennai is among the most eagerly awaited ones at the World Cup. But before that, there is a teaser.

The three-match ODI series between these two formidable rivals begins here on Friday. It kicks off at the PCA Stadium and then will travel to Indore and Rajkot.

Neither side could have hoped for a better dress rehearsal for the tournament that still matters a great deal.

Both India and Australia would be keen to use these matches to finalise their best eleven or to explore some new ideas before the big moment arrives. It is also an opportunity for some men on either side — those they aren’t named in the World Cup squads — to make a statement or two.

India may want to take a close look at its best possible middle-order — the spotlight could be on Shreyas Iyer — but the team management should be pleased with the current form. Its triumph at the Asia Cup in Colombo was as authoritative as a team could hope for.