Ganguly ready to give one back to Australia

Sourav Ganguly today said his team will seek to exploit Australia's vulnerability on Indian tracks when the world champions visit the country for a triangular one-day series also involving New Zealand later this year.

While conceding that the Australians are "mentally tough", Ganguly warned that India will be no pushovers either.

"They are a good side," the Indian skipper told reporters after a practice session with the Bengal Ranji Trophy team. "Mentally they are very strong. But the real battle will be fought on the 22 yards."

Refusing to subscribe to the view that his side would be under pressure playing against Australia in the tri-series, Ganguly said, "The Aussies must remember that they have not played well in India in recent times. They lost the Test series in India in 2001. If we happen to meet in the final of the tri-series, they will have a battle on hand."

Ganguly did not agree with Australian coach John Buchanan's recent remark that his side had put India under mental pressure in the World Cup final in Johannesburg.

He said he had already started planning for the home fixtures against New Zealand and Australia as the contests would be tough and he wants to reach peak fitness by that time.

"The engagements will be tough," he said. "All three sides are good. We'll have good cricket."

India are scheduled to play two Test matches against New Zealand before taking part in the tri-series in October-November.