India must climb steep mountain to succeed

India's venture to become the first side to break down Australia's increasingly impregnability on home turf undergoes its first test in Brisbane tomorrow in conditions that are likely to have India's batsmen concerned. Yet, should Sourav Ganguly, the Indian captain, win the toss he needs only to recall recent history to be wary of asking Australia to bat first.

His former English counterpart Nasser Hussain made that mistake last summer and never recovered during the Ashes summer. It is a vexing question for any touring side, especially one that is up against such a formidable combination as the Australians. However, also in the back of his mind will be how poorly his quality batsmen did in green conditions offered in New Zealand last summer.

Much interest has centred on this Test series of the year because of the classic contest played out between the two sides when Australia last toured India in 2000-01. India won that outstanding series, thanks to Harbhajan Singh's devastating off-spin, and a brilliant double-century by V V S Laxman.

The two sides were the World Cup finalists in the shorter form of the game in South Africa in March and have recently repeated that contest in a one-day tri-series in India. The touring side have to overcome some significant history as a result of their inability to win away from home, but they have rarely had a side as talented, especially in batting that they have at the moment.

Sachin Tendulkar has already demonstrated his ability to compete in all circumstances and will be vital to India's hopes through the four-Test series. He showed some touches of emerging form during the recent drawn Test series with New Zealand. Steve Waugh, the Australian captain, has hinted at a plan to contain Tendulkar's influence, although he admitted such plans have foundered in the past.

However, each of the Indian top-order are crucial - Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly, and all face responsibilities. And if they do manage to fire with any consistency throughout the summer, then Australia will be in for the most challenging series they have had since that against New Zealand in 2001-02.

India's Achilles' heel rests in its pace attack. In Australian conditions they would have dearly loved to have had their old warhorse Javagal Srinath. But he is gone, and the much less experience bowling unit face a huge task to combat the potency in the Australian batting order. Zaheer Khan was quickly eliminated from the contest in the World Cup final and can expect a pressurised start whenever he runs into bowl his first over.

For as outstanding as the Indian batting order is, there is also quality among the Australian line-up. Matthew Hayden has already made his mark on the year with his world record innings of 380 by an individual. While there is some concern about Adam Gilchrist's health it is expected he will be able to play.

Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn and Steve Waugh all represent worry for the Indian attack. Brisbane's expected green touches may not make the Indian spinners such an important factor in the match.

Adding to the intrigue surrounding the match, is the absence of the core performers of recent Australian sides, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne. Their absence individually would sink most opposition sides, and collectively it has to be wondered what could be the consequence if a decent side could get amongst those whose job it will be to perform - Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel, Nathan Bracken or Brad Williams. Gillespie is coming back from his own injury suffered during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Perth in October and will be the key element in the attack.

His recent form suggests he is right back in the frame and will be expected to provide the impetus against the tourists. As far as spin bowling is concerned Stuart MacGill's leg-spin is competitive enough to ensure the Indians are put to the test.

All the elements for a fascinating Test contest between two fine teams are there. Australia without some key players have the air of vulnerability, but no more so than the Indians with their away record.

The teams are:

Australia: 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 Justin Langer, 3 Ricky Ponting, 4 Damien Martyn, 5 Steve Waugh (capt), 6 Simon Katich, 7 Nathan Bracken, 8 Adam Gilchrist, 9 Stuart MacGill, 10 Andy Bichel, 11 Jason Gillespie, 12 Brad Williams.

India (from): Sourav Ganguly (capt), Akash Chopra, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Parthiv Patel (wk), Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar, Sadagoppan Ramesh, Aavishkar Salvi, Deep Dasgupta (wk) and Irfan Pathan.