Australia's Indian summer states case for ODIs to precede Tests | Geoff Lemon

This tour is a real-time refresher course on why starting with limited-overs matches is the best method

The argument for playing one-day matches before a Test series has always been straightforward. You have an entree before the main. For spectators, shorter matches rouse the appetite. For players, it follows the principle of building up training loads, working their way into the most demanding format a day at a time.

On both sides of the boundary it creates continuity, an earlier start to the threads of a story. It sets up rivalries within rivalries. Some players get an early boost, some slump and have to recover. When they step out for the first Test match against the same opponent, there is already context rather than writing from scratch.

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