Let Your Hearts Talk

Gautam Gambhir says India cannot claim favoritism in the upcoming Test series despite Australia fielding a relatively inexperienced squad by Australian standards. The visitors have lost several key men since their series win in India in 2004-05 and their 15-man squad includes four uncapped players and four who have played 11 or fewer Tests.

Australia's captain Ricky Ponting has conceded his side is far less experienced than India, who could potentially start the series with as many as eight players with more than 50 Tests under their belts. But Gambhir pointed out there were few differences to the Australia squad that beat India 2-1 in Australia earlier this year.

"If you look at the Australian bowling attack, it is pretty similar to the one we played against when we toured there," Gambhir told CNN-IBN. "The only difference is that they don't have the experience of a spinner such as Shane Warne or Stuart MacGill.

"In any case when you play against a team like Australia, you have to play to the best of your ability. They are tough to beat and they always play to the best of their ability. You just cannot think of beating them by playing one or two sessions well. You have to be at the top of your game throughout the five days."

Both teams are hoping for a friendlier series than the contests in Australia, where the cricket was often overshadowed by on-field and off-field controversies. Gambhir said it was important India were mentally prepared for a rematch.

"You don't want to be playing a weak opposition. Australia is the toughest series for any cricketer," he said. You have to be fully ready mentally to take anything on. You should be prepared for everything that comes at you and at times give it back."

Gambhir's debut Test four years ago remains the only one he has played against Australia. He is entering the series in fine form having struck three half-centuries in the recent three-match series in Sri Lanka but he was frustrated at his failure to go on and reach triple-figures.

"Hitting 300 runs in three Test matches is very satisfying, but I still think I should have got more runs," he added. "You don't get these kind of opportunities when you're playing Test cricket. Test cricket is all about settling in and getting big runs - as many as possible."

On Monday Australia arrived in Jaipur, where they will train and play the first of their two warm-up matches. The Test series begins on October 9 in Bangalore.