Adam Voges is confident that his recent experience in Pakistan has prepared him well for a potential ODI call-up in India next week. Voges was added to the Australian squad for the limited-overs series as cover for Ricky Ponting, who has a hamstring injury.
When Ponting is declared fit Voges is likely to fly home, meaning his chances of adding to his one ODI cap are limited. However, having just captained Australia A in a two-Test and three-ODI tour of Pakistan Voges believes he is ready for the challenge.
He was Australia A's leading run-scorer in their disappointing ODI series, making 133 at 44.33. He had less impact in the Tests, where Australia's top order was dominant and he made 53 runs at 26.50.
"Ricky is one of the best players in the world, no doubt, but when I get over there if required hopefully I can perform well," Voges told AAP. "I don't think it can hurt, spending three weeks over there [in Pakistan] getting used to the heat and the conditions and the pitches. I went pretty well, and I am confident. And my hamstrings are fine, thanks."
Michael Hussey and Shane Watson will miss the tour with hamstring injuries, while Brad Hodge and Brad Haddin both had hamstring soreness at the end of the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa. Voges said winning the seven-match series would be a big ask given Australia's fitness concerns and India's form.
"India in India, I don't think you get much tougher than that," he said. "Obviously they are in form, and they have got a lot of confidence out of the Twenty20 stuff. They are going to be very tough opposition when we get over there. The heat, the humidity and the hard tough cricket playing on flat pitches over there. It is hard work, but very enjoyable."