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AAP
AAP
Sport
Scott Bailey

Alana King excited about playing in India

Spinner Alana King is excited about the chance of playing in India in front of friends and family. (Chris Symes/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Australia's newest spin sensation Alana King is relishing the prospect of bowling in front of extended family as she prepares to play her first international game in India.

King's parents Leroy and Sharon were born in Chennai before moving to Melbourne before Alana was born.

The 27-year-old has visited the country on multiple family trips, including most recently in 2016 when she met up with several cousins and family friends.

Part of that group will now likely be there in Mumbai, with all five of Australia's T20 internationals against the hosts to be played in the city.

"A few family friends might be making the trip," King told AAP.

"There are a few in Mumbai. Hopefully I get to see them and they get to see me play in the flesh. That will be cool.

"When I do speak to them it is like nothing has changed and that could be a few months apart. And that would be cool for them to see me play cricket.

"I am sure WhatsApp will start blowing up close to the game."

Playing in India has long been a dream for King, who partly fulfilled that when she appeared for the Supernovas in the T20 Challenge earlier this year.

But this will shape as another big bucket-list item checked after a remarkable 12 months for the legspinner.

A debutante in last year's Ashes, King has taken 31 wickets at 20.87 in all formats since helping Australia retain that trophy, win a 50-over World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold.

"I am just trying to ride this ride as much as I can," King said.

"So far it has been bloody good and I have had some amazing people to feed off.

"Everyone gets their opportunities at different times and it looks like I had to wait longer.

"But it's great because I know my game really well and am a bit more experienced in my craft."

With a T20 World Cup two months away, the other factor in this series is the maiden Women's IPL next year.

An auction scenario is expected, but players are yet to learn full details.

But regardless, big performances in series in front of franchise owners could set players up for selection and big asking prices.

"It's pretty much at the forefront of everyone's mind that there is an IPL coming up," King said.

"Everyone would love to put their hand up for it.

"It's going to be big, and quite big. Everyone has been crying out for it for some time.

"It won't just help the international game, but the domestic game as well. It's going to be great and hopefully I can get the tap on the shoulder.

"But it's all focus on Mumbai for now."

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