'Doing the little things right'

Shane Warne is "fitter and fresher", says Adam Gilchrist, and "fired up for this big series" © Getty Images

Adam Gilchrist's approach in the opening press conference of the Indian tour was exactly like his batting style - crisp and full of cheer. While admitting that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had attained iconic status, he maintained that his team didn't want their careers to be judged around this one series.

Addressing the media at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai, Gilchrist said that both sides will probably be missing their best players at the start of the series - with Sachin Tendulkar doubtful and Ricky Ponting sure to miss the first Test - but insisted that no individual is bigger than the team. John Buchanan, the coach, added, "Ponting's absence is a major factor but we have faced these situations earlier."

Australia whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in a Test series earlier this year and Gilchrist felt that the experience would come handy. "The conditions are similar to India," he said. "We developed a stronger mindset on that tour and are definitely better prepared for the series in India." And just like Steve Waugh, who had insisted on the Australian players imbibing the local culture on the previous tour, Gilchrist was also keen on "fitting in".

The last Australian team to win a series in India was Bill Lawry's side way back in 1969-70 and Gilchrist acknowledged the poor record. "The last time we won was long before I was even born," he said. "So it's been a while since we've had it in our grasp. I guess it will boil down to doing the little things right. Get the practice match out of the way and look ahead to the Tests."

Nasser Hussain, the former England, captain had recently remarked that Australia were an ageing side and Gilchrist was slightly amused when asked about it. "Of course, if you look at your birthdays, we are surely older than three years ago," he said chirpily. "But that's not bothering us. We have some exciting faces around. They may not be young in age but they are new to the Australian side. Michael Clarke is part of that group and he has a definite chance of playing."

Gilchrist felt that Shane Warne would have a huge role to play in the series while adding that the one-year lay-off had made him "fitter and fresher", going on to add, "he's played with Hampshire in the English county season and he is really fired up for this big series. He still has the appetite and he is a big part of our team."

Two clichéd questions evoked responses that brought out Gilchrist's lighter side. When asked about the pitches that he expected, he began by saying, "Fast, bouncy and hard," before admitting that they expected nothing but typical subcontinental wickets that would assist the spinners. And when asked whether this was Australia's best chance to win a series in India he cheekily said, "Of course, this is the best chance since the last time we were here."