Nielsen confident of 17th win on the trot

Perth, Jan 18 (UNI) Despite finding themselve in a tight spot in the third Test, coach Tim Nielsen sounded optimistic about his side's chances to pull off an improbable win against India and break Steve Waugh's record of 16 consecutive Test wins.

''One way or another, if we play well enough, we'll give ourselves the chance to chase down a really big total and get the record we're looking for,'' Nielsen said. ''It's an achievable result for us and we feel as though we've got the quality of batsmen and pretty good conditions on our side.'' Nielsen, who exuded optimism, said his boys were in a positive mood and were eagerly looking forward to break Steve Waugh's record.

''In the back of their minds they think this will be a pretty special thing to do,'' he said. ''That tends to fire them up a little bit and get them enthusiastic.'' ''We knocked a few runs off the total tonight. And there's still a positive mood around the rooms.'' However, Nielsen cautioned his team that it will not be easy and the Australian top order must come good to pull it off.

''Ricky and Michael will be vital in that regard to set it up for us,'' he said adding, ''The good thing is the wicket's still in pretty good shape, the outfield's fast and we've seen that when batsmen get in they find it easier to score.'' UNI XC AB/TB RK2320