Warne ready for the Indian challenge

A day after equalling Muttiah Muralitharan's record for the highest number of Test wickets, Shane Warne has already set his sights on his next challenge: improving upon his modest record against India.

Warne, who now has 527 Test scalps, told AAP: "I've thought about the Indian tour. We've lost the two series I've played in India ... in my 13 years of international cricket it's the one place we haven't won. I've done well at times but over a full series they've played me better than anyone."

He can say that again. Since returning figures of 1 for 150 in his debut Test in 1991-92, Warne has consistently struggled to make an impression against the Indian batsmen. His best series against them came at home in 1999-2000, when he took eight wickets at nearly 42. On his two tours to India, he took a combined 20 wickets from six Tests at an exorbitant 52.25.

Warne was aware of the lacuna in his record, but believed that he was better prepared now than ever before. "On the two tours I've been on there they have played me extremely well but I wasn't fully fit either. In 1998 I'd just had my shoulder operation and in 2001 I'd broken my finger."

Warne, who will be returning to England to resume his county stint with Hampshire, emphasised the importance of fitness when touring India. "I have to make sure I don't sink too many pints in England and keep myself fresh and ready to go. Given how hot it [India] is, it's a test on your fitness."

Warne will be turning 35 in September this year, and admitted that it would be his last opportunity to set the record straight in India. "It's the last time I'm going to play a Test series in India and hopefully I can take a few wickets and we win. You have to get wickets against the best sides. There's a lot to play for - it's the two best sides in the world and India is the hardest place to win in world cricket."

Australia will play four Tests in India in October, and a rich haul of wickets could help him go past Muralitharan in the wickets tally - Murali will only get two Tests against South Africa in August to build a lead.