Tendulkar confident of conquering Aussies in their own backyard

Melbourne, Dec 22 (UNI) Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar believes that the Indian team has played good enough cricket lately and is confident that Team India can upset Australia in the upcoming Test series which will start from December 26.

''We are geared up and as far as I am concerned we are ready and we would like to go out there and put on a good show.

We are confident,'' he said.

''We have come here properly prepared because although the practice match was rained off, we have come here having played Test cricket, which is extremely important,'' Tendulkar said.

The master blaster, who is on his fourth tour of Australia said that if India can beat the mighty Aussies in their own backyard, it will be the highlight of his career. No visiting team has won a Test series in Australia since the West Indies in 1992-93.

Tendulkar understands that Team India has a mammoth task in hand and it will require a special effort from all the players to beat the Aussies.

''I think it would be the most important tour if we can pull it off. Beating Australia is obviously the ultimate thing because the way they have played for so many years makes it a special tour. Having come here four times, it would be a wonderful occasion.'' He has an impressive record in Australia - from 12 Tests, he has made 1029 runs at 54.15. But against a team like Australia, Tendulkar will require his team-mates to fire all cylinders.

India's chances of winning Down Under would also depend on how quickly the Indian players can adjust to the bouncier pitches in Australia.

''All the batters have scored runs so they are feeling confident,'' he said.

''What you do out there in the middle matters. You can practice various things but you have to go out there and get used to the occasion. Once you calm down your nerves, everything falls into place,'' he added.

India's tour started with a three-day game against Victoria at the Junction Oval but only 48 overs were bowled in the whole match as the match was washed out in the rain today.

UNI