Hyderabad, Oct 6 (UNI) Despite Australia's unimpressive performance in the four-day tour opener against the Board President's XI here, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is not ready to take the world champions lightly when the Test series gets underway later this week.
Australia were far from the invincible unit they once were and only a last wicket stand of 96 runs between Michael Hussey and Stuart Clark in the first innings saved them from the humiliation of a follow on.
Ganguly, however, refused to read too much into the visitor's poor form at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.
''It's a fantastic side. Just don't get excited by the result of the practice match. They'll be a completely different kettle of fish once the Tests start,'' Ganguly said.
''It's difficult to say that (call India favourites). I think there's nothing to choose between the sides. It'll be an extremely even contest,'' he added.
The 36-year-old admitted that the pressure will be on him following the drama which preceeded his selection. Ganguly was omitted from the Irani Trophy squad which had put his selection for the upcoming Test series in doubt.
''I know the pressure will be on me. And let me tell you, all those players who have been wearing this shirt for a long time know that. We're here to do that and nothing else matters. At the end of the day all that counts are the number of runs that are on the board,'' he said.
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