Ganguly warns of tough times ahead in Australia

Sourav Ganguly may consider India the second-best team in world cricket today, but he nevertheless expects a difficult tour of Australia, and said as much to the press at Kolkata yesterday.

"To be honest, it's going to be a tough series," Ganguly said. "It is going to be a real test of our abilities in Australia. They are a very good side and in great form. We have to lift our game to compete with them on their soil."

"The Aussies are the only side ahead of us. To be honest, we are the second best team after them," he added. "I'm pretty confident about that. My boys are experienced and have travelled throughout the world."

Ganguly also stated that India would have to "get the bowling department sorted out" but did not elaborate. He was also optimistic about his own prospects. "I'm pretty hopeful of doing well both in the Tests and one-dayers in the coming season. My hope springs from the way my team has shaped up in the last few years. I'm confident of carrying forward our success," he said. "Winning does not depend solely on me but on the entire team. For that we have to really play well ... plan well and get fit, which we are trying to do."

Reports surfaced yesterday that Ganguly had sought out Greg Chappell as a batting coach during the preparatory camp in Bangalore, but Ganguly denied them. "I have read these reports, and they are not true," he said. "We already have John Wright who himself is a batsman."