Sehwag's inclusion a boost: Kumble

On the eve of the team's departure to Australia, Anil Kumble, the Indian captain, said the inclusion of Virender Sehwag was a welcome boost to a strong batting line-up.

"Having Sehwag in the team gives you an attacking option and I think his coming into the team would help us," Kumble said.

Kumble also has faith in his batsmen to perform well against the Australian attack. "We have people in the middle order with over 30,000 runs and I think we will be able to handle whatever comes our way," he said. "I have been saying that if we have the runs on the board, our bowlers have the ability to get the wickets."

Kumble indicated the tour was going to be the last one to Australia for some players, including himself, and said they would be keen on a victory. "Some of the seniors would be on their last Australia tour and hence, it will be a great challenge for all of us to go out and win the series.

"It's a tough challenge to play Australia in Australia but we are ready for the challenge," he said. "We have the potential and players to win the series."

Kumble, whose first assignment as Test captain was the 1-0 series win against Pakistan, also played down the talk of sledging down under. "I hope cricket does all the talking there, that should be the goal," he said. "Most of the players have been there before and they know what to expect. It's going to be a challenge for us and we are ready for it.

While admitting the depleted bowling line-up without the likes of Sreesanth and Munaf Patel was a concern, Kumble said the dilemma of including the in-form Yuvraj Singh in the final XI was a pleasant one. "It's a healthy problem to have. We have to sit down and assess it after looking at the conditions on how to fit in Yuvraj."

He also shrugged off suggestions that the absence of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne would make it easier for India. "They were not there last time too [in 2003-04] and they are a strong side. But having said that we have the quality, the ability and skills to play them."

Kumble felt that having only one warm-up ahead of the first Test in Melbourne on December 26 wasn't a major concern for the team. "We have played lot of cricket and have ten days before the first Test to get adjusted."