5 reasons why the Australia series will be a big challenge for India

#3. Perils of playing against a competitive side

Steve Smith

Australia have the perfect team combination. The effective balance of their team makes them the ideal unit for the limited overs format and maybe that's why they are the current world champions.

The likes of David Warner, Aaron Finch, and Steve Smith are capable of exploding at the beginning and can easily bat out the opposition with their ability and the hunger to play long innings. The middle order has fire-power in abundance to propel the score in the death overs and although inexperienced, the bowling unit has serious talent and skills which are effective in limited overs format.

The depth of Australia's squad makes them a tough team to beat in the ODIs. India, this year, have faced mostly mediocre ODI teams. In the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh, and South Africa weren't at their best while Sri Lanka and Pakistan exposed India's weak links mercilessly.

Later in the year, India toured West Indies and Sri Lanka who have lost their mojo and are struggling for survival. In this series, India will be facing a highly competitive unit and hence it will be a challenge for the Indians to up the ante at the precise moment.