"It [India] is a difficult place to win a Test match let alone a series. So if we are able to do that, it would be huge. I think if you win in India, it is bigger than an Ashes series [win]," Smith told cricket.com.au, in a video featuring several Australia players taking about the challenges of playing in India.

Warner said he is looking forward to playing against the best spinners in the world. "Being a part of the last Ashes was fantastic but to go to India and beat India in India is the toughest challenge in Test cricket for us.

"I'm looking forward to the tour, it's always a hard graft. One thing that I'm looking forward to is applying myself against the best spinners in the world."

"I think it has always been a crown jewel for Australian touring teams. It's one of, if not the hardest place to play away... Such foreign conditions and how strong the Indian team are as well."

"Winning a series in India will be really special for our group," Starc said. "I think it has always been a crown jewel for Australian touring teams. It's one of, if not the hardest place to play away... Such foreign conditions and how strong the Indian team are as well.

"On one side you've got all this history of the Ashes and on the other you have this tour of India, which has been for many Australian teams out of reach."