5 best things that can happen to India in the limited-overs series in Australia and New Zealand

The long and gruelling tour Down Under is set to conclude after this three-match ODI series. India will look to continue their domination in this tour and would hope to remain unbeaten at the end of the tour whereas, Australia will have nothing to lose as they can only improve as a team from here on.

Things haven't been smooth for India either with the controversies surrounding the comments made by two prominent cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya in a reality show which garnered widespread criticisms from many quarters. As a result, they are said to be not considered for the series opener at least.

The team will be looking forward to putting behind all the things that are happening off the pitch and concentrate only on the 22 yards as the World Cup is fast approaching, and these are the last set of matches that India will play before the IPL which will conclude in mid-May.

With no more International matches scheduled for India after IPL and before the World Cup, this 13 ODI against Australia and New Zealand will be the last opportunity to make sure all the slots are filled.

Here are five best things that could happen to the Indian team out of this limited overs matches till March against Australia and New Zealand.

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#5 Third front-line seamer is identified

He has grown as a Test bowler

As we all know the format of 2019 World Cup is such that each team plays every other team once in the league stages. So there is a chance of fatigue or there could injury concerns. In that case, the workload needs to be shared and the inclusion of Mohammed Shami seems to be justified at the moment.

This matches will provide a better indication to the selectors as to whom they will look into as their third front line seamer to support Bhuvi and Bumrah.

#4 A settled middle-order

Almost certain for the World Cup

A middle-order consisting the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik/Kedar and MS Dhoni may not look strong on paper when compared to their top 3 of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli. But, the formerly said trio have the capability to win games on their own on their hay day which has not happened so far.

This set of matches could all change all that and this could be the best chance yet for the said people to stamp their authority and punch their ticket to a World Cup berth for themselves.

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#3 MS Dhoni finds his feet again

MS Dhoni will hope to get runs behind his belt

There will be no better time for the former captain to get back into form. This could be the second coming of Dhoni that the fans have been looking for.

If Dhoni is able to get his lost touchback just before the World Cup, then India will surely go into the tournament with a major boost

#2 Finally the backup wicketkeeper to Dhoni is finalized

MS Dhoni

When Rishabh Pant was not picked for the ODI side to be played against Australia and New Zealand, he may have thought his World Cup dreams are over but with his timely knock at Sydney and subsequent comment by the selector stating that Pant is still in the World Cup plans may suggest that the team management is still not finalized between Karthik and him.

This matches will allow them to finally choose a wicketkeeper backup to MS Dhoni as this is a long tournament and anything can happen.

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#1 A settled playing XI that will probably start the World Cup

Captain Kohli

This is the best time to try some best possible combinations although not too much as Virat has the tendency to change the team according to different conditions, in other words, horses for courses which should not happen as much as in the past.

This will provide enough clarity on not only final 15 for the World Cup but also the probable starting XI for the team's opening contest.