Brisbane, Dec 03: Desperate to prove their critics wrong, a determined India will go into the first cricket test against Australia tomorrow with the belief that they can outperform their almost invincible rivals with the potential that they have. Skipper Sourav Ganguly, already a target of some pre- match intimidatory tactics, sought to put up a brave front and looked to the first match with guarded optimism.
"It is definitely important to win in Australia. It is a test of our abilities. If we do well here it will take our cricket another step forward," said the Indian skipper.
"They know India is the only side that has beaten them recently. They know at their back of the mind we can throw up a challenge," he said.
But all the brave words of the Indian skipper could fly on the face of Indians who have not won a series outside the subcontinent in 16 years, only three games from 27 tests in Australia and only six of the past 67 tests.
India suffered routs of 4-0 and 3-0 on their two previous tours to Australia and have not bowled out an Australian side twice in a match down under for as long as 17 years.
Besides history, statistics also is not on their side.
Rahul Dravid averages 15.50 in Australia and has a highest score of 35 from six innings. Ganguly has taken his batting lessons and grinded himself on the nets on the tour so far but the figures of 177 runs from three matches at 29.50 from the last tour inspire little confidence nor does the common knowledge of his dislike for the short-pitched bowling.
VVS Laxman played a benchmark innings against Australia in Kolkata in 2001 and on the previous tour, hit a sublime 167 in Sydney but he still averaged only 36.83 from the series. Even the otherwise aggressive Virender Sehwag has been unable to find his feet against the world beaters.
India do have a Sachin Tendulkar in their line-up but that is little consolation in the face of as daunting an opposition as Australia.
Despite the balance tilted heavily in his side's favour, Australian skipper Steve Waugh, playing his farewell series, showed little ruthlessness and did not put it beyond the Indian batsmen to stand up to home bowling on a quick wicket at Gabba.
"They are world class batsmen and to me, world class batsmen can handle most situations," said the 38-year-old Waugh who will play his last test in Sydney starting January 02.
"It is an important tour for Indian cricket and they see it as an opportunity to address the situation.”
"They also have bowlers who can swing a cricket ball and not many bowlers can do it. If you include the two spinners and Agarkar, they have five bowlers we know who could take wickets."
Waugh may have been modest in his praise but the Indians know bowling would be their weak link when faced with the likes of Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist to name a few. Bureau Report