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AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Carey content with Australia's India tour preparation

Alex Carey has defended Australia's decision not to play a tour match in India after arriving at their training base in preparation for the blockbuster four-Test series.

Australia's No.1-ranked squad is warming up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy showdown with a camp in Bangalore ahead of the first Test, which starts in Nagpur on Thursday.

A host of net bowlers have been brought in to mirror the threats posed by India's attack, which includes spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

There has been external criticism of the schedule, notably from former captain Michael Clarke, who said match practice against spin and reverse-swing in Indian conditions would be significant.

But wicketkeeper Carey took a similar view to teammates Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, declaring the tourists' preparation more than adequate.

"The guys that have been here in the past probably had more of a say but it's great to be able to have the facilities we do have," Carey said ahead of his first series in India.

"Lots of centre-wicket (practice), more of a closed environment where you can hone your skills.

"The wickets are spinning out here as well, so it's a great way to lead up.

"A lot of the guys are coming off some Big Bash cricket, so a little tweak into the red ball. But the way the guys started yesterday has been fantastic."

Carey is excited to get behind the stumps to record-breaking offspinner Nathan Lyon on Indian decks expected to do plenty for the tweakers.

The pair's connection will be important in Australia's bid for a first series win in India since 2004.

"Off the field (our relationship) is really strong, and on the field hopefully it continues to grow and grow," Carey said.

"I'm really excited to see what he can do along with Ashton Agar and our other spinners.

"Travis (Head) is a real threat with the ball, and the same with Marnus (Labuschagne).

"There's lots of options there and lots of relationships to build but over the last 12 months I've been able to do that pretty well."

While much of the focus heading into the tour has been on spin, Carey is also aware of what both sides' quicks are capable of with the ball.

"Going to Pakistan (in March last year) it was a lot of spin talk and I found the reverse-swing ball difficult," the 31-year-old said.

"I played a four-day game here in 2018 and a lot of talk was spin, but you probably forget a little bit how damaging both teams' fast bowlers are with the reverse-swinging ball and a wicket that might be a little bit up and down."

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