Experienced opener Justin Langer said on Friday that Australia were highly motivated to win their first Test series in India in more than three decades.
”Winning a Test series in India is something we are keen to achieve,” Langer told reporters after arriving here with team-mate Nathan Huaritz for the four-Test series due to start in Bangalore next month.
Leg-spinner Shane Warne and Cameron White are scheduled to arrive Friday night. The rest of the team, led by stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist, will arrive Saturday after taking part in the Champions Trophy in England.
Gilchrist will lead in the opening Test at Bangalore in the absence of injured Ricky Ponting, expected to join the side after the match.
The series itself is clouded in uncertainity over an ongoing TV rights spat that will be discussed in the Supreme Court on Monday.
Langer said it was a big challenge to beat India at home as they were a very good team and had some great players.
”To beat India in India will be the pinnacle of our careers,” he said.
”It’s probably the only thing the current team has not been able to achieve. We’ve beaten India at home in one-day cricket, but not in a Test series.”
Bill Lawry was the last captain to lead Australia to a Test series triumph in India way back in 1969.
Langer was part of Steve Waugh’s side that lost the three-Test series 2-1 in India in 2001 after winning the opening match at Bombay.
”We hope the result will be different this time,” said Langer, who has scored 5,488 runs in 76 matches with 19 centuries.
The left-hander, who made 161 in three Tests with just one half-century three years ago, said he was keen to put in a better show this time.
”My last tour of India was only reasonably moderate,” he said.
”It was not a failure, but not great either. I am now looking forward to some big partnerships with Matthew Hayden and getting the team off to a good start. If we can do that, hopefully that will help the result.”
The Australian also played down India’s recent poor run in one-day tournaments, saying the hosts would be at their best in the Test series.
”One-day and Test cricket are two different games,” he said.
”India always rise to the occasion against Australia. They are used to the home conditions and they are going to be at the top of their game. The cricket will be exciting and entertaining.” – Sapa-AFP