Aussies can deliver in tough India series, says Hussey

Reliable batsman Michael Hussey said Wednesday the inexperienced Australian side were capable of rising to the occasion in the demanding Test series soon to start in India.

"A Test series on Indian soil is considered tough. It's the toughest series, but it gives you immense satisfaction if you are able to win it," Hussey told reporters ahead of the four-match series starting in Bangalore on October 9.

Australia clinched their previous Test series in India in 2004, their first success in 35 years.

Only four members of the Australian squad - skipper Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke and Simon Katich - have played a Test in India, but Hussey warned the hosts not to underestimate the tourists.

"We definitely take a lot of things out of 2004, but the personnel are so different that we are a new team really and trying to create our own history," said the middle-order batsman, 33.

"The big strength we have is the Indians might think we are inexperienced and perhaps in Test cricket in this country we are, but the guys that have come in have played a lot of first-class cricket.

"It would be a bit of a mistake to underestimate the newer, less experienced guys. I think they are hardened cricketers and it's a case of how quickly we can adapt to the conditions."

Hussey, who has scored 2,325 runs in 25 Tests, said the experience of playing Twenty20 matches in India early this year would help him.

"I may not have played a Test here, but have played other forms of the game. I think patience will be the key. The experience will come in handy as we played on different wickets," he said. Hussey said his team was not focusing on Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh alone as the hosts had an impressive bowling attack.

Harbhajan troubled Australia the most in previous home series, having grabbed 55 wickets in seven Tests.

"Not only Harbhajan, but (leg-spinner) Anil Kumble and other Indian bowlers are also good. They have a balanced attack," said Hussey.

"You have to have a clear gameplan on how to play spin. Hayden, Ponting or Clarke have their own gameplan. So will I, but you have to be clear how you are going to tackle it."

Australia arrived on Monday, a week ahead of schedule following the postponement of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and will train in Jaipur for a week before the official part of the tour starts. They play a four-day practice game in Hyderabad from October 2 before the Test series. The last three Tests will be held in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.

JAIPUR, India,

Thursday (AFP)