Ganguly takes heart as Aussies struggle

Jayashree Lengade

India captain Sourav Ganguly predicts his team will do well in the Test series against Australia, who have struggled on the first two days of a three-day warm-up match against Mumbai.

"If they (Mumbai) have played well against Australia, it shows we can also do that," Ganguly said.

Australia conceded a 125-run first innings lead after being bowled out for 203 by Mumbai on Friday in their second tour match in India.

They suffered a similar fate against an India A side in their first game at Nagpur last month. Experts say they are just taking their time to adjust to Indian conditions.

Australia have come to India after winning a world record 15 consecutive Test matches but Ganguly said that did not bother him.

"We don't feel any pressure... They still have to win their 16th," he said.

The first Test starts in Bombay on February 27.

The Indian captain said he is confident his strong batting line-up would click and his team would be ready.

India beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in a two-Test series late last year and have not lost a series at home to Australia since Bill Lawry led his team to a 3-1 victory in 1969.

"We want to make sure we get the basics right," coach John Wright said. "When you play well, results come automatically."

Mail Cricket Editor