Watch out for Tendulkar - Warne

Shane Warne has backed Sachin Tendulkar to score heavily against Australia on what will be his last tour of the country. Labelling Tendulkar as the best batsman he has played against, Warne said in the Herald Sun: "There is no doubt he will play one or two special innings in this Test series. Absolutely no doubt, he will play a couple of unbelievable breathtaking innings.

"I don't believe just because he is getting old, he is finished. Given the conditions, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide are going to be pretty flat, I expect Sachin to get lot of runs."

He also reminded the Australians to be wary of an experienced Indian batting line-up and that, on a flat surface like Melbourne, the tourists are capable of large totals. "Two of the Tests are in Sydney and Adelaide. Melbourne has been very, very benign and flat. If you don't take wickets with the new ball, you are in for a long day in the field."

However, Warne said it would take an all-round effort from India to beat the Australians at home, with a special effort required from the spinning duo. "It will be down to Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh [to take 20 wickets in the match]. Sydney and Adelaide are spinning tracks. They will go in with two spinners and the wickets will help their batting. Also, it will help their quicks, especially Zaheer Khan, with reverse swing in Sydney and Adelaide."