Wellington and Gardner have performed strongly in the warm-up matches and will need to continue this good form against a strong Indian batting line-up.

The canny Megan Schutt has bowled well in the practice matches and will likely lead the pace bowling department alongside Ellyse Perry.

Schutt is comfortable that the slower conditions won’t hinder her bowling.

“The ball has been swinging which is what I want and because I’m not the most rapid bowler I don’t have to change too much,” she said.

The experienced batting combination of Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, who made 171 not out against Australia in the World Cup semi-final, will be crucial to India’s chances. If the tourists manage to lessen their impact, it will go a long way towards victory.

Both teams come into this ODI series in good form, but the Australians will feel confident that their class can prevail over a three-match series.

The first match is on the 12th of March.