Australia struggle to combat swing - Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the India batsman, has said that Australia have a weakness against swing bowling that India will seek to exploit during the upcoming Test series.

"I heard they're having some problems against swing bowling, so we are very much putting all our thoughts together," Rohit said. "We will try and come hard at them where swing is concerned. We have a very good bowling unit which can put pressure on the Australians."

Rohit's comments echoed those of Zaheer Khan, who said on Thursday that India's bowlers will be aiming to exploit Australia's problems against the moving ball.

Australia were dismissed for less than 150 five times over the last two years, and collapsed for 47 against South Africa and 136 against New Zealand in their last two Test series. But Rohit said India were focussed on their own preparations rather than their opponent's struggles.

"We're not really concerned about what's going on their side. We want to focus on our preparation. It's a good sign they are having a batting camp, so we know their weaknesses and what they've gone through the last couple of weeks. We have all kept that in mind going into the first Test match. We will walk out there and we need to put pressure on them rather than taking the pressure on us."

India drew their two-day game against CA Chairman's XI, making 6 for 320 in reply to CA's 6 for 398. Rohit scored an unbeaten 56, while Sachin Tendulkar made 92 and VVS Laxman 57 before both retired to give others a chance to bat.

"It was a good preparation. We just wanted to get into the groove first. There's another practice match as well. [There wasn't] much for the bowlers on a flat track and the batsmen also got the runs, so I think we should be very happy with the way things have gone for batters and bowlers."

There was some concern for India when Ishant Sharma left the field after bowling only 5.3 overs on the first day, but Rohit said it was "just some discomfort" and that Ishant had seen a doctor and should be ready for the Boxing Day Test.

India have never won a Test series in Australia and Rohit admitted it was something that they think about, but "we would like to take one Test match at a time and see how it goes".

The first Test is at the MCG, where Tendulkar will resume his quest for his 100th international hundred. "Me and my team-mates, all of us and all the Indians, we don't want him to wait for too long now," Rohit said. "It's been a while, but I hope he gets the 100th century in the first game."