I want to be a better Test batsman, says Yuvraj

Fresh from a glorious 169 in the Bangalore Test against Pakistan, Yuvraj Singh is looking ahead to what he hopes will be an equally successful tour of Australia. The pitches will be bouncier, and the quality of the opposition bowlers will be a lot better, but Yuvaj is confident he, and the rest of the Indian team, will cope well.

"Right now, I am practising with hard plastic and synthetic balls in order to get used to the pace and bounce of the Australian tracks," Yuvraj told the Times of India. "I'm generally happy with the way I'm striking the ball. In fact, the time has come for me to concentrate harder in order to emerge a better Test batsman."

Since making his Test debut more than four years back, Yuraj has only played 20 Tests, thanks mainly to India's experienced and star-studded middle order, which has ensured few vacancies. He has generally done well when given the opportunities - scoring hundreds on two previous tours to Pakistan - and his century in Bangalore means he has an excellent chance of being part of the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

The team has only once practice game before that match, but Yuvraj was not unduly bothered by that. "If you are playing international cricket, you have to be prepared to play in any condition. Yes, we played the series against Pakistan on wickets that were low and slow but we are ready for the faster tracks in Australia."

Australia's recent one-day series was marred by plenty of verbal confrontations, suggesting that India's tour could also be a heated one. Yuvraj said India did not want a verbal warfare with Australia but warned they would respond if pushed. "We want a quiet series and our focus is on playing good cricket. But if we are pushed around too much, there will be something from our side too. We are not going to take anything lying down."

Yuvraj felt if the batsmen can post big scores, the bowlers could be effective in Australia. "Injuries have bothered some of our key bowlers recently. Right now, most of them are fit and raring to go. If we can put some good scores on the board, bowlers like Zaheer Khan, RP Singh and Irfan Pathan are quite capable of taking the wickets."

He picked Sourav Ganguly, along with Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, as a key figure in the upcoming series. "He [Ganguly] is very positive and is showing the desire to stay at the wicket. He has changed his mindset."

Yuvraj was also effusive in his praise of Anil Kumble's captaincy. "He has been a very good captain with plenty of experience. His first win as Test captain must be very special to him. He is very aggressive and hungry for success."

India play four Tests against Australia, starting December 26 in Melbourne.