Batting with Steve Smith helps calm nerves in difficult conditions: Shaun Marsh

Mumbai: Australia may have taken a commanding position on Day 1 of their three-day warm-up game against India A, but the challenge they will face against Team India in the four-match Test series will be completely different, believes Aussie batsman Shaun Marsh.

Marsh believes that the challenge in the Test series will be much greater.

“These are two completely different cricket teams. The senior team is doing quite well. They have some really good bowlers,” said Marsh during the press conference. “It's going to be a really big challenge for the batters but we’re looking forward to it.”

The 33-year-old went on to suggest that the key to doing well against Indian spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja is to be well prepared.

“We know what we’re up against, in Ashwin and Jadeja. It's all about preparing as much as we possibly can,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Marsh (104) and captain Steve Smith (107) scored a century each against an India A side led by Hardik Pandya. Both batsmen scored their respective tons before retiring to the dressing room. The southpaw believes that batting alongside a cricketer of Steve Smith’s calibre helps to calm the nerves.

“It (batting with Steve Smith) does calm your nerves. He's a fantastic player and his record speaks for itself. So it's always nice to bat with him,” said Marsh.

The Australians have struggled in subcontinent conditions, last winning a Test series against India back in 2004. They were whitewashed by Sri Lanka the last time they came to the subcontinent. This is why Marsh’s experience of playing in India may come in handy for the team from down under.

“I've played a lot of cricket out here. Played one day cricket, played IPL cricket. Played Test cricket in Sri Lanka,” said Marsh. “So I feel comfortable (in subcontinent conditions). I just enjoy it.”