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"We're clear on how we want it...": Mitchell Marsh ignites World Cup fire for India

Soumyajit Dutta

Mitchell Marsh at the pre-series press conference [Source: @StarSports/YT.com]Mitchell Marsh at the pre-series press conference [Source: @StarSports/YT.com]

The Australia vs India 1st T20I is set to go down at Canberra on October 29, and the Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh expressed his excitement for the series after a convincing 2-1 ODI series against the visitors.

Speaking ahead of the series in a press conference, Marsh elaborated on the preparation, mindset and how the team is taking up the India challenge in general. Marsh also didn't forget to keep an eye out for India's star opener Abhishek Sharma.

Mitchell Marsh opens up on India challenge

Starting off with Australia's mindset behind the upcoming five-match affair, Marsh made it clear that they are looking at it as T20 World Cup 2026 prep.

"We had two World Cups where we didn't quite go all the way. And I guess we spoke about wanting to challenge ourselves as a team to what we think can win us to the World Cup," Marsh said during the pre-series press conference on Tuesday.

Further, Mitchell Marsh said that their intent for the World Cup in India is ultra-aggressive, the brand of cricket that they have been playing recently in the T20I format.

"But yeah, if you look towards the World Cup in India, that's certainly the way we're going to play. We're not going to get it right every time. We will fail. But we're clear on how we want to go about it. That gives us the best chance for success. And hopefully that's the case as we keep building. It's two really good teams that are going to be going at it. So, looking forward to the challenge," Marsh added.

Marsh added that the India challenge will not be easy despite the fact that he and his mates shared a long time with the Indian players in the IPL dressing rooms for their respective franchises.

"Not necessarily (more challenging). I think around world cricket there's so much footage these days. Everyone watches everyone. The key is execution under pressure. That's all it comes down to," Marsh added.

Marsh compliments Abhishek Sharma

Marsh, however, didn't forget to compliment India's emerging and explosive star opener Abhishek Sharma, who had solid outings in the Asia Cup 2025 where he boasts a strike rate of 200 and has piled up 314 runs.

"He obviously sets the tone for them. He's been incredible for the Sunrisers over the last little period of time. He'll provide us a good challenge...I think you want to be challenged against the best players in the world. We know he's one of those," Marsh said.

The five-match series will be played on October 29, 31, November 2, 6 and 8 across different venues in Australia and both teams will be eyeing a series opener win on October 29 to get the early lead.