Sub-continent can make you doubt your abilities but we're ready for India: Finch

Sydney, January 9: Australia captain Aaron Finch on Thursday (January 9) said the sub-continent can make visiting players doubt their abilities, but he and his team will look to upstage India in its own backyard.

Australia, who are headed to India for a three-match ODI series, scripted an unexpected comeback to win the five-match ODI series 3-2 against Virat Kohli's men 12 months ago after losing the first two games. The upcoming series starts January 14 in Mumbai.

"It just gives us confidence that our game plan in those conditions is good enough," Finch told 'cricket.com.au' ahead of the team's departure when asked about the series win in India last year.

An Australian side fuelled by last year's watershed series victory in India will return to the subcontinent tomorrow confident they can re-ascend to the top of the world in one-day cricket https://t.co/jPL2ZrJuR3 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/ZxxcXVeCRT

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 8, 2020

"What can happen when you play in the sub-continent is you start to doubt your game plan because they're so dominant when they get on top. India or Pakistan... or Sri Lanka. They can make you start doubting yourself.

"Knowing that our game plan is good enough and knowing that our skills are good enough to beat India in India. That gives us a lot of confidence going there," said Australia's limited overs skipper.

Nothing tougher than playing India in India, says Labuschagne

The second ODI will be played in Rajkot on January 17 and third in Bengaluru on January 19.

The in-form Marnus Labuschagne is set to make his ODI debut against India after earning a maiden call-up at the back of his stellar form in Tests.

Finch feels there is no reason why Labuschagne cannot carry his Test form into white-ball cricket.

"We know that he's not going to be overawed by the occasion. He's come back into Test cricket after missing out at the start of the Ashes and he's been unbelievable, so hopefully he can continue that.

"The form that he showed in the (Marsh Cup) one-day games was outstanding. He's averaging up around 40 there batting at three, batting at four for Queensland on what's been a little bit tougher batting conditions over the last couple of years in domestic cricket."

Run-machine Marnus Labuschagne jets out to India with the Aussies confident he can carry on his prolific form on the subcontinent: https://t.co/PZeFOLaBCW #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/J5riA3S6Mh

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 9, 2020

Labuschagne is good against spinners and that will help him in India, said Finch.

"Playing on some slower wickets that spin quite a bit, to be able to come in and do that role really well for Queensland is obviously what's got him a place in the side, as well as his current form. I don't see why it wouldn't translate."

Australia made a lot of changes to the ODI squad, leaving out experienced hands like Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon. Finch backed all of them to make a comeback.

Virat Kohli remains on top in ICC Test Rankings for batsmen; Rahane, Pujara slip

"It's never closed, but when you're picking a side there has to be a spot there. It just comes down to being in the right place at the right time and having the right match-up," he said.

Head coach Justin Langer has got some much needed rest and assistant coach Andrew McDonald will be in charge of the team in India.

Australia squad for India ODI series: Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, D'Arcy Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa.