Ponting and Ganguly look ahead to the Test series

The Videocon Cup has been touted as a dress rehearsal for the ICC Champions Trophy in England, but India and Australia are looking a step further. In October, less than a week after the Champions Trophy final, the two sides face off in a four-Test series which has been billed as the clash of the year.

"It's going to probably be the biggest series of the year. We all know that," said Sourav Ganguly, who captained India to a remarkable come-from-behind victory when Australia last toured India in 2001. Speaking to AFP after India's game against Australia was washed out, he said, "They will be definitely looking forward to coming to India and we will be looking forward to that series. They did well in Sri Lanka [when Australia won 3-0] so we'll have to be up for it."

His counterpart, Ricky Ponting, termed the series "huge", and zeroed in on Shane Warne as the bowler who could make the difference. Warne has had a successful time with Hampshire in the English domestic season and unlike previous tours to India, where he was plagued by niggles, he's operating at peak fitness.

"I think Shane can make a huge difference for us over there," said Ponting, according to a report in The Age. "The Indians have played him well on the last couple of tours to India, but I know for a fact Shane hasn't been all that fit on the last couple of tours there. He's obviously fitter now than he's ever been, his body's in great shape. Talking to Michael Clarke, who's been playing with him at Hampshire, he's bowling very, very well. If he can take some of that form into the Indian series I am sure he'll play a big part for us."

Australia haven't won a series in India since Bill Lawry led his side to a 3-1 triumph in 1969-70. Then, Ashley Mallett, an unheralded offspinner, had been the revelation, taking a bagful of wickets to offset the damage done by Bishan Singh Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna.

Though Warne averages a dismal 52 in Indian conditions, Ganguly was in no mood to trivialise the challenge that he represents. "He's their key bowler," he said. "He will make a difference to any side. We've played him well over the years but obviously he's the type of bowler who can win matches any day."

Ganguly also reckoned that the upcoming series would have a different feel to it in the absence of Steve Waugh. Waugh had been a part of four Australian Test tours to India, and also played in two World Cups on the subcontinent. "It will be different," said Ganguly. "Steve's a legend and people in India respect him. Obviously, it's going to be a new side with some young boys."

He, and millions of Indians, will hope though that the more things change, the more they stay the same.