Hyderabad, Oct 6: Australian opener Matthew Hayden is eagerly looking forward to the Test series against India which begins in Bangalore on October 9.

''The Indian series is one of the great challenges in cricket and I feel up to it mentally,'' Hayden told mediapersons here. Hayden was the most successful Australian batsman during the tour of India in 2000-01, when he slog-swept his way to 549 runs, an Australian record for a three-Test series. The burly left-hander, however, did not enjoy a very auspicious start to the tour this time round, scoring a total of just 34 runs in his two innings against the Board President's XI in the four-day match which ended in a draw here yesterday.

But Hayden is determined not to let the disappointment at Hyderabad upset him mentally and is keen to replicate the success of 2000-01.

''I have had success in India, so I am feeling pretty confident.

The previous tours here have been actually the greatest preparation for me,'' he said. ''I am feeling very comfortable and confident with my game at the moment.''

UNI