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Even though World Cup 2019 is a year away, the preparations have already begun. Teams from all the countries are looking to start their preparations early for the mega-event in order to win the coveted trophy.
Apart from the preparations and form and fitness of the players, the number of matches that the teams play in the build-up to the World Cup becomes equally important. The Indian team will play around 30 ODIs before the World Cup.
The BCCI has done a commendable job by scheduling various series in such a way that the Indian team gets adequate time to get themselves ready for the World Cup by playing against different opponents in different conditions.
India will be playing 6-7 ODI series before the World Cup, but some are more important than others. We will look at 5 such crucial series that will help India prepare for World Cup 2019.
#5 Asia Cup in U.A.E, September 2018
This edition of Asia Cup will be played in the 50-overs format. Six teams will be participating in this tournament, which will be played in September in the United Arab Emirates.
The playing conditions might be completely different from what India will get in England, but playing in a multi-nation tournament will be an experience that will keep the Indian side in good stead in high-pressure contests in the World Cup.
India will also face arch rivals Pakistan for the first time after last year's Champions Trophy final and will look to avenge the defeat.
#4 India vs Australia in Australia, 3 ODIs, January 2019
India will lock horns with Australia in a three-match ODI series in early 2019. The Australian team is in lurches after the sandpaper gate incident and they will look to get their World Cup preparation back on track by delivering some fine performances at their home.
The Indian management will have an opportunity to test the players in overseas conditions. A good performance in this series will give confidence to the Indian team, while a bad performance will leave them with a little time to rejuvenate.
#3 India vs Australia in India, 5 ODIs, Feb-Mar 2019
The Australian team will be coming to India to play an ODI series in Feb-Mar 2019. The series will comprise of five ODIs and will be a key as far as the selection of the final 15 is concerned.
By then the selectors will have chosen the players who will be in contention for a berth in the World Cup squad, and performances in this series will pave the way for their final selection.
This will be the last ODI series that India will play before the World Cup, which makes this series extremely critical.
#2 India Vs New Zealand in New Zealand, 5 ODIs, February 2019
New Zealand is one of the strongest contenders for winning the World Cup next year and facing them in their own backyard will be a tough challenge for the Indian side. Team India will face the Kiwis in a five-match ODI series in February next year.
The strong Indian batting line-up will have its work cut out against a formidable New Zealand pace attack. Tim Southee and Trent Boult can demolish any batting side in the World and it will be a litmus test for the experienced Indian batsmen.
The conditions in New Zealand will be somewhat similar to those in England, thus making this series even more vital.
#1 India vs England in England, 3 ODIs, July 2018
The men in blue will kick-start their World Cup preparation with the highly anticipated ODI series against the hosts England.
The English side is in red hot form and has established itself as a powerhouse in one-day cricket. They destroyed the Australian bowling side by scoring a record 481 runs at Trent Bridge, which exhibited their strong batting arsenal.
The Indian bowling-attack looks well settled and it is going to be an interesting contest between these two sides. Also, World Cup 2019 will be held in England which means this series will provide the Indian team with some firsthand experience.
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