Ashes hopefuls on Australia's one-day international tour of India have been told good form there will count for as much as their rivals' success in Sheffield Shield games at home.
The 14-man party departs for the four-week tour today, and captain George Bailey says those hoping to be selected for the Ashes series starting at the Gabba on November 21 need not worry about missing the start of the Shield season.
Coach Darren Lehmann and national selector John Inverarity gave the same message during the annual player administration camp this week.
"They made it really clear that doing well on this Indian tour, scoring runs over there will be looked upon in the same regard as the guys that are playing the first couple of rounds of Shield cricket," Bailey said.
"I don't think there's any excuses for guys to be worried about what's ahead."